The 25-year-old was arrested in Liverpool early on Thursday following an alleged incident in the city centre.
Soap-On-A-Rope For Bad Boy Barton!
Barton, of Foxbank Close, Widnes, Cheshire, appeared at Liverpool Magistrates' Court.
The court was told he and a group of friends were allegedly involved in two separate incidents following a row with another group inside a McDonald's restaurant in Church Street, Liverpool.
The case is due back before Liverpool Magistrates on January 3 when Barton is expected to appear via videolink.
A spokesman for Newcastle United said the club was not yet making any statement.
His agent Willie McKay, normally a man never short of words, went into hiding and was not available for comment.