Everton star Ross Barkley ‘had nightclub attack coming’ claims notorious gangster who previously threatened to end midfielder’s career in Twitter spat over ex-lover
Convicted drug dealer Sam Walker, 33, posted on social media after CCTV footage emerged of the unprovoked attack
A NOTORIOUS gangster has claimed Everton star Ross Barkley "had it coming" after the footballer was punched to the floor in a nightclub.
Convicted drug dealer Sam Walker, 33, who previously threatened to end the England midfielder's career, posted on social media after CCTV footage emerged of the unprovoked attack.
The 23-year-old had been enjoying a night out with pals at Santa Chupitos in Liverpool, Merseyside, when he was viciously knocked to the floor.
The assault, which is believed to have happened on Sunday evening, came just hours after Barkley had helped his team to a 4-2 victory over Leicester City.
Walker, who was freed from prison earlier this year, posted on Facebook today saying: "Got to say Ross Barkley did have it comin to him, getting banged out again last night by one of the lads [three crying with laughter emojis].
"That's what's he gets for thinking he can go round trying to blag the lads birds the little g**p [three crying with laughter emojis].
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"Far to many footballers/boxers in this city who think they can try an grip any of the lads birds when they are out in town drunk [sic].
"Only a matter of time before someone [three knife emojis] one of them for it."
There's no suggestion that Walker was involved in the attack or that Barkley had done anything untoward with the footage appearing to show it was unprovoked.
The gangster has previously threatened the England ace on social media, after he is understood to have begun dating the footballer's ex-girlfriend.
He told the star on Twitter in 2014: "Inbox me a number for you, ya little rat! You know wot this is about so don’t play stupid or your footie career will come to an end!"
Walker was part of a gang dealing crack cocaine and heroin when he was sent to prison for four and a half years in 2008.
Footage of the attack involving Barkley in Liverpool city centre was leaked by a staff member at the bar, who is now reportedly set to lose his job, according to the .
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In the video, two men appear to be talking calmly before one of them gets enraged for some reason and throws a huge punch at Barkley.
The footie ace drops to the floor but the attacker continues steaming in - apparently hurling other punches.
Looking a little dazed, Barkley manages to get back on his feet after being helped by other revellers.
A source said he and his attacker were first seen “having a bit of a spat” before Barkley walked away. It is thought the attacker feared Barkley had taken a shine to his girlfriend.
The source added: “Later they bumped into each other again. It looked like they were having a chat and then all of a sudden Barkley had his lights knocked out.
“It was a really nasty attack. Barkley hadn’t done anything to provoke him. The man had to be pulled away and was thrown out. Barkley said he didn’t want police or an ambulance.
“He just walked in a back room and phoned a mate to pick him up.”
The England star's representative confirmed the midfielder was the victim of an "unprovoked attack by a stranger who approached him".
Merseyside Police are reviewing the footage and an Everton spokesman confirmed the club are looking into the incident.
Fans have posted the footage on social media.
One called Chris uploaded the video to Twitter and wrote “Barkley getting dropped last night.”
Another Twitter user called Top of the Kop posted the footage and wrote: “Ross barkley got ‘bingoed’ on a night out in Liverpool after Everton’s 4-2 win.
A police spokesman said: "Merseyside Police is aware of footage online reportedly showing an assault in a bar in Liverpool city centre.
"No report of an assault has been received but officers are making enquiries to establish the circumstances of the incident."
Barkley was left out of the Three Lions squad last month and is out of contract at the end of next season.
He came under fire for his performance during the Toffees' 3-1 defeat to Liverpool in the Merseyside derby earlier this month.
But he bounced back with a stunning display against Leicester, setting up Romelu Lukaku's first goal in the victory.
And Barkley took to Twitter to hail the win as a "perfect way to finish the week off."
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