Joey Barton Pleads Not Guilty to Malicious Communications

Former footballer Joey Barton has pleaded not guilty to charges of malicious communications directed at Eni Aluko, a female pundit, during a court appearance at Warrington Magistrates’ Court. The charges stem from tweets he posted between January 3 and 8, where he allegedly compared Aluko and fellow pundit Lucy Ward to serial killers Fred and Rose West, and likened Aluko to infamous figures Joseph Stalin and Pol Pot. Judge Tan Ikram has set a conditional bail that prohibits Barton from mentioning Aluko on any social media platforms. His case is scheduled to be heard at Liverpool Crown Court on August 27. Barton, who was previously sacked as Bristol Rovers’ manager, has publicly criticized the charges, claiming they reflect a troubling trend of legal action against individuals expressing dissenting opinions online. Aluko has expressed feelings of fear and the impact of online abuse, highlighting the broader implications of such behavior on women's safety in sports.