Former England and Manchester City footballer Joey Barton has been charged with alleged ‘malicious communications’ directed at pundit and former Nigerian-British footballer Eni Aluko.
In January, Barton made controversial comparisons between Aluko and fellow pundit Lucy Ward to serial killers Fred and Rose West. Following this, Aluko accused Barton of subjecting her to some of the worst social media abuse she has ever encountered, citing a barrage of vile messages.
After covering Crystal Palace’s FA Cup draw with Everton in January, Barton criticized Aluko and Ward, writing, “How is she even talking about men’s football? She can’t even kick a ball properly. Your coverage of the game EFC last night took it to a new low.
Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward, the Fred and Rose West of football commentary.” Barton further escalated his remarks by likening Aluko to Joseph Stalin for supposedly ‘murdering hundreds of thousands of fans’ ears.’
Barton is scheduled to appear in court on July 30 following an investigation by Cheshire Police. A statement from Cheshire Police read: “A man from Widnes has been summoned to court to face charges of malicious communications.
Following an investigation by Cheshire Police, the Crown Prosecution Service has authorized charges against Joseph Barton. The 41-year-old will appear at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, July 30. The charges relate to reports of alleged malicious communications online between January 1 and January 18.”
In response to the charges, Barton posted on X, “I’m up next month for a ‘malicious communications’ charge at Warrington Mag for Eni Aluko tweets.
Crazy times we’re living in. Haven’t the Police got enough on their hands? The British system is becoming a Banana Republic. Lawfare is being used against its own citizens for having a dissenting voice.”