Ex-Footballer, Joey Barton Charged Over Social Media Posts

Joey Barton, the former footballer from Widnes, has been charged with two additional counts of malicious communication, Cheshire Police confirmed.

The 41-year-old had previously been charged for similar offences involving tweets directed at former women’s footballer Eni Aluko.

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The new charges relate to alleged indecent or offensive messages posted on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, between January 3 and January 8.

A court previously heard that Barton had allegedly made derogatory comparisons involving Aluko and Lucy Ward, both of whom were pundits for ITV during an FA Cup match between Crystal Palace and Everton on January 4.

He reportedly likened them to serial killers Fred and Rose West and later compared Aluko to Joseph Stalin and Pol Pot in follow-up tweets.

Barton is already set to stand trial next year for the earlier malicious communications charges. The new charges, authorized by the Crown Prosecution Service, expand the case against him.

A Cheshire Police spokesperson stated: “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 authorised for Joseph Barton to be charged with two counts of malicious communications.

“The charges relate to reports of alleged malicious communications online between Wednesday, January 3, and Wednesday, March 20, involving two victims.

“The 41-year-old will appear at a magistrates’ court at a later date.”

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One of the complainants in the malicious communication charges is broadcaster Jeremy Vine, while the other is former footballer and pundit Lucy Ward, Liverpool Crown Court heard on Tuesday.

Joey Barton, who pleaded not guilty in August to the alleged offence involving Eni Aluko, is set to stand trial on May 19, 2025.

The former Premier League footballer, who earned a single international cap for England, had an extensive playing career, making hundreds of appearances for clubs such as Manchester City, Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers, Burnley, Rangers, and Marseille.

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