'Barton's bullying left me feeling physically scared'

COMMENTATOR TELLS OF HER FEAR AFTER FRED WEST COMPARISONS

- By JAMES MUTCH & KIM PILLING

SOCIAL media posts from Joey Barton left TV football co-commentator Lucy Ward feeling "intimidated" and "physically scared", a jury has heard.

Former Manchester City and Newcastle United player Barton is alleged to have “crossed the line between free speech and a crime” with messages on X, formerly Twitter, about Ms Ward, fellow football pundit Eni Aluko and broadcaster Jeremy Vine.

Barton, 43, is on trial at Liverpool Crown Court where he is accused of 12 counts of sending a grossly offensive electronic communication with intent to cause distress or anxiety.

In January 2024, Barton - who has 2.7 million followers on the X platform - likened Ms Aluko and Ms Ward to the “Fred and Rose West of football commentary” after a televised FA Cup tie between Crystal Palace and Everton.

Giving evidence on Tuesday, Ms Ward said she “knew he would get to me at one point” because of Barton's general viewpoint that he did not like women commentating on men’s football matches.