Former Premier League player Joey Barton was convicted of sending grossly offensive messages on social media about two female pundits and a broadcaster working in British television.
A jury at Liverpool Crown Court found that Barton, 43, “crossed the line between freedom of expression and a crime” in six posts he made on X about Lucy Ward and Eni Aluko, both former players, and TV presenter Jeremy Vine.
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Barton was cleared of six other charges that he sent a grossly offensive electronic communication with intent to cause fear or anxiety from January to March 2024.
Barton was a midfielder for Manchester City, Newcastle, Queens Park Rangers and Burnley. He retired in 2017 and has since had managerial spells at lower-tier sides Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers.
He is now a social commentator with 2.7 million followers X.
Barton was released on bail ahead of sentencing on December 8.
Published on November 7, 2025
