JOEY Barton today denied targeting female pundit Eni Aluko in a string of vile posts.
The former footballer is accused of comparing the ex-England star and fellow commentator Lucy Ward to Fred and Rose West.
Barton, 41, appeared at Warrington Magistrates’ Court today charged with malicious communications between January 3 and 8.
He spoke to confirm his identity and deny the charge during the brief hearing.
Barton was bailed on the condition he does not make any mention of Eni Aluko on any social media.
He will next appear at Liverpool Crown Court on August 27.
The ex-Bristol manager previously slammed the charge on X, saying: “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.”
Barton landed himself in hot water after launching into vile attacks against a string of female pundits in December.
This included Eni and Lucy, who at the time were working as pundits for ITV on the FA Cup clash between Crystal Palace and Everton.
Barton allegedly claimed Eni “can’t even kick a ball properly”, before adding: “Your coverage of the game EFC last night, took it to a new low.
“Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward, the Fred and Rose West of football commentary.”
The former Man City star then accused Eni of being in the “Joseph Stalin category” for “murdering hundreds of thousands of fans’ ears”, it is said.
Eni bravely revealed she was seeking legal action after the barrage left her “scared”.
She added: “It’s really important to say that online abuse has a direct impact on your safety and how you feel and how safe you feel in real life. I’ve felt under threat this week. I’ve felt like something is going to happen to me.
“And I don’t say that for anyone to feel sorry for me – I say that for people to understand the reality and the impact that hate speech has, the impact that racism has, the impact that sexism has, the impact that misogyny has on all of us females in the game, in sports broadcasting.
“That’s the real impact – and it’s not an isolated incident, this is now showing up as a culture in the game, from certain fan bases and certain people.
“They’re creating a culture where people don’t want to go to work, people don’t want to leave their house, people feel under threat. Obviously there’s a big impact on mental health as well.”
Barton started his football career with Manchester City in 2002 after going through their youth system and went on to make 150 appearances for the club.
He then moved to Newcastle United in a £5.8million transfer in July 2007 before leaving for Queens Park Rangers in August 2011.
The midfielder was then put on loan to French side Marseille during the 2012-13 season before making his way to Burnley for one season – helping promote them to the Premier League.
Barton made one appearance for England in 2007 – despite criticising some of his fellow players.
The footballer later attempted a management career with stints at Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers.
