Joey Barton charged with sharing ‘malicious’ posts about Jeremy Vine & Lucy Ward – as he slams ‘woke nonsense’
JOEY Barton has been charged with sharing “malicious” posts about Jeremy Vine and football commentator Lucy Ward.
The former footballer was already accused of targeting pundit Eni Aluko but is now facing further charges against her colleague Lucy.
He is also accused of lashing out at BBC star Vine, Liverpool Crown Court was told today.
Barton, 41, is now due to appear before magistrates at a later date over the new alleged offences.
Cheshire Police confirmed he has been charged with two counts of malicious communications.
The force added: “The charges relate to reports of alleged malicious communications online between Wednesday 3 January and Wednesday 20 March, involving two victims.”
Barton responded to the development on X today – branding it “more woke nonsense”.
The ex-manager added “Still no sign of any charges for those from Manchester Airport? Three charges for me for a some jokes on tweets.”
Barton has pleaded not guilty over the Eni Aluko tweets and is due to stand trial next year.
He landed himself in hot water after launching into alleged 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”.
Vine was also caught up in a social media spat after Barton branded him a “big bike nonce”.
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.