Everton's Ross Barkley Punched in 'Unprovoked Attack' Shown on Nightclub Video

Merseyside police are investigating closed-circuit TV footage that emerged online that shows Everton midfielder Ross Barkley being punched in what has been described as an "unprovoked attack" in a Liverpool bar.

The video appeared Monday, a day after the 23-year-old’s man of the match display for the Toffees in the 4-2 win over champions Leicester City. EPLBible posted the footage on Twitter (warning: contains language NSFW):

"

Ross Barkley getting caught off guard last night in a club. pic.twitter.com/b5tLyXDmjy

— Premier League (@EPLBible) April 10, 2017"

Per BBC Sport's David Ornstein, lawyers for the footballer confirmed his involvement:

Per BBC Merseyside, the local authorities are aware of the video and are investigating the content. According to Joshua Taylor of the Daily Mirror, Everton are also looking into the footage.

The footage depicts Barkley in conversation with another man before the Everton star is punched. The England international appears dazed as a second blow knocks him to the ground and the assailant is hauled away.

As reported by Taylor, the CCTV is from a bar in Liverpool called Santa Chupitos and is believed to have been captured in the early hours of Monday morning.

After a tough start to the 2016-17 term, Barkley has rediscovered his best form as of late, excelling in a more advanced role under the guidance of manager Ronald Koeman.

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Against Leicester, the midfielder produced the standout moment of the game, as a stunning cross from the right flank found Romelu Lukaku, who levelled things up at 2-2 for the Toffees. Everton went on to win 4-2 with Barkley at the hub of the team’s best attacking play.

The midfielder’s contract is set to expire in 2018, and Koeman has warned Barkley that he needs to sign a new deal or be sold in the summer, per BBC Sport.