Ex-footballer Joey Barton has pleaded not guilty to an offence of malicious communications in relation to tweets directed at female pundit Eni Aluko.
Barton, 41, appeared at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday accused of conveying an indecent or offensive message between January 3 and 8 in connection with posts on social media site X that he made about the former women’s footballer.
He appeared in the dock wearing a dark checked suit and a navy shirt and tie and spoke to confirm his name, address and date of birth to Deputy Senior District Judge Tan Ikram, as well as to elect for his case to be heard at crown court after entering a not guilty plea.
Barton tweeted after Aluko and Lucy Ward were pundits for ITV for an FA Cup match between Crystal Palace and Everton on January 4, allegedly comparing them to serial killers Fred and Rose West.
In a follow-up tweet he compared Aluko to Joseph Stalin and Pol Pot, prosecutor Joshua Sanderson-Kirk told the court.
Barton was told he must appear at Liverpool Crown Court on August 27.
Judge Ikram said: “Mr Barton, I am sending your case to the crown court. You will appear at 9.30am on the 27th August.
“I am granting you conditional bail with one condition that you will not make any mention of Eni Aluko on any social media, and that is either directly or indirectly, or by inference.
“I am imposing that condition to ensure no further offences are created.
“Make sure you are there on time please. If you do not appear, a warrant may be issued.
“You are free to leave the court.”
Barton nodded at the judge as he left the court room with his defence solicitor Richard Derby.
Aluko, who played for Chelsea and England, scored 33 international goals in 102 games before retiring in 2020 and establishing a broadcasting career.
Former Manchester City and Newcastle player Barton, of Widnes, was sacked last October as League One Bristol Rovers’ manager after almost three years in charge, after a run of poor results.
