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LONDON, June 30 (Reuters) - Newcastle United midfield Joey Barton pleaded guilty on Monday to assaulting team mate Ousmane Dabo during a training session last year when both played for Manchester City, the police said.
Greater Manchester Police said in a statement that Barton attacked Dabo after an argument over a late tackle as the players were leaving the pitch.
"The victim walked away but Barton ran to him and punched him on the side of the head. The victim was instantly made unconscious but Barton continued to punch him as he was collapsing to the floor," the police said.
Barton, who has one England cap, joined Newcastle United for 5.8 million pounds ($11.57 million) in July 2007 after the training ground incident effectively ended his career with Manchester City.
Barton, 25, has a history of bad behaviour and was jailed for six months in May after admitting to beating up a teenager during a night out.
The police said Barton had to be dragged off Dabo by team mates. The French midfielder was left with a scratched retina, significant bruising and stitches in a cut under his eye.
Dabo, 30, returned to Serie A club Lazio earlier this year saying his 18 months in Manchester had been a "nightmare".
Barton is due to be sentenced on Tuesday.
