Joey Barton, the former Premier League footballer, has been charged with alleged “malicious communications” towards Eni Aluko, a pundit and former England star. In response, Barton lashed out at the legal system, branding it a “banana republic.”
Barton is set to appear in court on July 30 following an investigation by Cheshire Police. The charges relate to reports of alleged malicious communications online between January 1 and January 18.
In January, Barton sparked outrage by comparing Aluko and fellow pundit Lucy Ward to the notorious serial killers Fred and Rose West. The Wests murdered 12 women and young girls over a period of 20 years.
Joey Barton has been charged with alleged ‘malicious communications’ towards Eni Aluko
He compared Aluko to serial killers and claimed the pundit was in the ‘Joseph Stalin category’
Barton took to social media to respond to the charges, writing: “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.”
Aluko had previously accused Barton of subjecting her to one of the worst cases of social media abuse she had ever experienced. In February, she told BBC Breakfast that the tirades had impacted her life, describing it as “waves caving in on you.”
Aluko hit out at Barton earlier this year after he directed several social media messages at her
The ex-Man City star singled out Aluko on social media with a series of controversial posts
Barton’s comments sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for him to be held accountable for his actions. The former Manchester City midfielder has a history of targeting female football broadcasters, including Alex Scott and Laura Woods.
In December and January, Barton launched repeated attacks against women working in men’s football, including Aluko and Ward. He also threatened Gary Neville after the broadcaster called him out for comparing female football pundits to serial killers.
He called Aluko and Ward ‘the Fred and Rose West of football commentary’. The notorious serial killers are known to have committed at least 12 murders over a period of 20 years
Barton’s comments have sparked a wider debate about the treatment of female football pundits and the need for greater accountability for online abuse.