Soccer star to greet New Year in cell

LIVERPOOL, England, Dec. 28 (UPI) -- A British soccer star has been jailed pending another hearing for his part in a brawl in Liverpool.

Joey Barton, who recently signed with Newcastle United, was free on bail for a similar offense when he was arrested Wednesday. Magistrate Carol Myers found a substantial risk of his committing another assault if she released him, Sky News reported.

"I also have to consider the safety of the public -- you lashed out indiscriminately," she said.

Barton, who grew up near Liverpool, was believed to be drinking with friends after an ankle injury sidelined him. Newcastle lost to Wigan on Wednesday, the British holiday of Boxing Day.

Myers released two people arrested with Barton. But the soccer player docilely put out his hands and was cuffed and returned to jail, where he will spend New Year's, Sky News said.

Barton's career with Manchester City came to an acrimonious end in May when he allegedly assaulted a teammate. He signed with Newcastle in an $11 million deal.