Joey Barton charged for 'alleged malicious communications' to Eni Aluko as pundit fleed UK

Jul 22, 2024 12:45

Joey Barton's last managerial job was in charge of Bristol Rovers. (Image: Getty)

Joey Barton has been charged by Cheshire Police for alleged malicious communications towards former player Eni Aluko.

Barton is expected to appear in court on 30 July to respond to the charges about the social media posts dating back to January 2024.

The force said in a statement: "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 since authorised the charges for Joseph Barton.

"The 41-year-old will appear at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 30 July. The charges relate to reports of alleged malicious communications online, between Monday 1 January and Thursday 18 January."

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Responding to the charge, Barton wrote on X: "I’m up next month for ‘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?

"British system is becoming a Banana Republic. Lawfare used against its own citizens for having a dissenting voice."

Pundit Aluko quickly revealed she'd 'fled' the country following comments from Barton, which included claims she and fellow co-commentator Lucy Ward were the 'Fred and Rose West of football commentary' - a reference to the serial killer duo.

Eni Aluko transitioned into punditry following retirement from playing. (Image: Getty)

During an emotional Instagram post, Aluko said: "Now, I’m open and honest and I’m human and I’m more than happy to admit: I’ve been scared this week. I’ve genuinely been scared this week.

"I didn’t leave my house until Friday and I’m now abroad. Because it’s really important to say that online abuse has a direct impact on your safety and how you feel and how safe you feel in real life."

She continued: "I’ve felt under threat this week. I’ve felt like something is going to happen to me. And I don’t say that for anyone to feel sorry for me – I say that for people to understand the reality and the impact that hate speech has.

"The impact that racism has. The impact that sexism has. The impact that misogyny has on all of us females in the game, in sports broadcasting."

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Aluko, who Barton also likened to Communist dictators Joseph Stalin and Pol Pot at the time, suggested she was seeking legal action.

It comes after Barton lost a libel case against Jeremy Vine earlier this year for defamatory comments on social media aimed at the TV presenter.

Barton then agreed to pay Vine £75,000 in damages and legal fees for the online claims, which included suggesting Vine was a 'bike nonce'.

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Joey Barton charged for 'alleged malicious communications' to Eni Aluko as pundit fleed UK