Barton guilty Victim of abuse says career suffered in wake of attacks

Football pundit Eni Aluko said she is “glad that justice has been served” after former Bristol Rovers boss Joey Barton was convicted of sending grossly offensive social media posts.

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Former England international footballer and broadcaster Eni Aluko, left, and Lucy Ward were targeted by Barton

Barton was convicted of sending grossly offensive social media posts about broadcaster Jeremy Vine and TV football pundits Aluko and Lucy Ward.

A jury at Liverpool Crown Court found Barton, 43, had “crossed the line between free speech and a crime” with six posts he made on X, formerly Twitter.

He was cleared of six other counts that he sent a grossly offensive electronic communication with intent to cause distress or anxiety between January and March 2024.

In a statement after the hearing, Aluko said: “Social media is a cesspit where too many people feel they can say things to others they wouldn’t dream of saying in real life under the guise of freedom of speech.

“This is a reminder that actions online do not come without consequences.

“The messages directed at me, Lucy Ward and Jeremy Vine by Joey Barton were deeply distressing and had a real damaging impact on my life and career. I am glad that justice has been served.”

Ward posted a picture on Instagram which had the words “Freedom of speech does not mean freedom from consequences’ along with the caption: “It’s been an extremely difficult and sometimes harrowing last two years.

“Thanks for all the support throughout this time.”

Following a televised FA Cup tie in January 2024 between Crystal Palace and Everton, he likened Ward and Aluko in a post on X to the “Fred and Rose West of football commentary”.

He went on to superimpose the faces of the two women on to a photograph of the serial murderers.