Controversial soccer player Joey Barton was punched outside a nightclub in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Queens Park Rangers' Barton is understood to have been hit in the face by two men outside Garlands nightclub in Liverpool city center.

A picture appeared on twitter of a shirtless Barton being restrained by a policeman and a woman. Barton walked away from the incident without pressing charges. Liverpool cops, however, are holding two 21-year-olds in custody on suspicion of a public order offense.

"Merseyside Police were called to Eberle Street in Liverpool city centre at 5.30am this morning following reports of an altercation," a spokeswoman for the Merseyside Police said.

"On arrival officers found a 29-year-old man who had sustained injuries to his face. The man left the scene voluntarily.

"Two 21-year-old men from the L13 area were arrested at the scene for a public order offence. They are currently in police custody."

QPR's press officer said in a statement, Barton will not press any charges. "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 R's midfielder. Police were immediately on the scene and arrested one man.

"Barton decided not to press charges and left the scene with his girlfriend soon after. The club will be making no further comment."

Barton is no stranger to controversy, having recently suffered a 12-match suspension after being sent off against Manchester City on the last day of the Premier League.

The 29-year-old midfielder served a jail sentence after admitting to common assault and affray in 2008 for punching a man outside Liverpool city center.