Joey Barton charged with alleged malicious online communications towards pundit Eni Aluko; Police release statement

Former Manchester City player Joey Barton has been charged with alleged malicious online communications towards former Chelsea Women's player and pundit Eniola Aluko. The police have also released a statement regarding the charges.

In January, Joey Barton compared Aluko and fellow pundit Lucy Ward to British serial killers Fred and Rose West, following his rant against the rise of female commentators in men's football. Eni Aluko was in the studio working on an FA Cup match between Everton and Crystal Palace, which saw Barton state online (via GOAL):

“How is she even talking about Men’s football. She can’t even kick a ball properly. 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.”

Barton's comments led to online abuse for Aluko, who later revealed that she had to leave the country as she felt threatened and suggested that she is considering legal recourse.

On Monday, July 22, Cheshire Police released the following statement (via GOAL):

“A man from Widnes has been summoned to court to face charges of malicious communications. Following an investigation by Cheshire Police, the Crown Prosecution Service has since authorised the charges for Joseph Barton."

"The 41-year-old will appear at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 30 July. The charges relate to reports of alleged malicious communications online, between Monday 1 January and Thursday 18 January.”

Joey Barton has received backlash from different quarters, following his sexist rant aimed at Eniola Aluko in January.

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Joey Barton reacts to court summons for Eniola Aluko rant

Joey Barton has reacted to the summons, which were provided by Cheshire Police. The former Manchester City player said (via GOAL):

“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.”

Back in January, ITV had issued a strong statement against Barton's words, questioning the former player's decision to target their two pundits. This led to a doubling down from Barton, who said (via GOAL):

"I will be calling them all serial killers from now on."

Aluko and other pundits will be hoping that the matter is handled seriously by the courts.