Joey Barton punched in the head outside Garlands nightclub in Liverpool

QPR midfielder Joey Barton has been attacked outside a nightclub in Liverpool, Merseyside Police have confirmed.

Police were called to Eberle Street in Liverpool's city centre at about 05.30 on Monday morning following reports of a disturbance outside the Garlands nightclub.

Barton, 29, was confirmed to have been injured in the attack in which he was punched in the head, but voluntarily left the scene.

Two 21-year-olds are being held on suspicions of a public order offence and are in custody.

Barton said on Twitter that he had not been seriously injured in the attack, and claimed he was punched from behind.

Violent past: Joey Barton has been involved in a number of scuffles on and off the pitch during his career

QPR spokesman Ian Taylor said: "Joey Barton was involved in an incident in Liverpool City centre in the early hours of Monday morning.

"Barton was on his way home from a night out with his girlfriend when two men sang offensive chants and then proceeded to hit the midfielder.

"Police were immediately on the scene and arrested one man. Barton decided not to press charges and left with his girlfriend soon after."

Barton has been involved in violence in Liverpool in the past, and spent 77 days in prison in 2008 after being found guilty of common assault and affray during an incident in the city in December 2007.

He will serve a 12-game suspension at the beginning of the 2012/13 Premier League season for hitting out at several Manchester Cityplayers after being sent off in QPR's final game of the season.