Barton, who appeared in the dock wearing a blue jumper, black-framed glasses and grey sweatpants, did not visibly react as he was remanded in custody by District Judge James Hatton.
Both men are next due to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on 7 April for a plea and trial preparation hearing.
At a separate High Court hearing earlier over a libel claim involving Barton, Gervase de Wilde, representing ex-England footballer Eni Aluko, said his instructing solicitor had “received a call from a duty solicitor in a police station in Liverpool” shortly before the hearing.
De Wilde told the court that Barton “was arrested yesterday and is currently being held in custody”.
Midfielder Barton played for clubs including Manchester City, Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers, Burnley and Rangers.
After retiring as a player in 2017, he moved into management.
