Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton will spend New Year in jail after being refused bail on charges of common assault and affray, a court ruled today.

The 25-year-old was arrested in Liverpool early on Thursday following an incident in the city centre.

Barton, of Foxbank Close, Widnes, Cheshire, appeared at Liverpool Magistrates' Court for a 45-minute bail hearing required because the common assault and affray took place while he was already on bail for two other separate offences.

Magistrate Carol Myers said there were no conditions to satisfy the requirements of the Bail Act.

She said there was a substantial risk of Barton offending again because the new offences took place while on bail.

She added: "I also have to consider the safety of the public - you lashed out indiscriminately."

Barton was remanded in custody until January 3rd and will miss tomorrow's Barclays Premier League match at Chelsea and the visit to Tyneside of former club Manchester City on Wednesday.

On hearing the decision, Barton turned to the prison guard beside him and held his hands out to be cuffed before being returned to the cells.

He had sat through the hearing, still wearing his black shirt and jumper from St Stephen's Day night, with his head bowed and hidden from the press and public gallery.

Details of the two earlier offences, for which he will face court in Liverpool next month and in Manchester in June, cannot be reported.