Former Man City star Joey Barton is charged with two counts of malicious communications after two posts
Joey Barton is set to appear in court after being charged with two counts of malicious communications.
The former Manchester City footballer, who is well known for his outspoken views on social media, has been summoned to court following a police investigation.
The charges relate to reports of alleged malicious communications online between Wednesday 3 January and Wednesday 20 March, against broadcaster Jeremy Vine and former England footballer Lucy Ward.
The 41-year-old did not appear at a short 15-minute hearing at Liverpool Crown Court this morning, Liverpool Echo reported.
He is set to appear at Magistrates Court at a later date.
Responding to the news on X, Barton claimed the charges were ‘woke nonsense’, before telling his 2.8million followers ‘see you in court’.
Barton has now had three charges of alleged malicious communications bought against him, having been charged with the same offence in July against former England star Eni Aluko.
He has pleaded not guilty to the offence and is set to appear at a three-day trial, beginning on May 19 next year.
Joey Barton (pictured) is set to appear in court after being charged with two counts of malicious communications
The former Manchester City footballer (right), who is well known for his outspoken views on social media, has been summoned to court following a police investigation
Cheshire Police said in a statement: ‘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 authorised for Joseph Barton to be charged with two counts of malicious communications.
‘The charges relate to reports of alleged malicious communications online between Wednesday 3 January and Wednesday 20 March, involving two victims.
‘The 41-year-old…will appear at Magistrates Court at a later date.’
Barton launched a series of social media posts in December last year and earlier this year criticising female pundits working in men’s football.
Barton played 435 games during an acrimonious career, playing for the likes of Manchester City, Queens Park Rangers and Newcastle and earning one England cap.
The former midfielder was also the manager of Bristol Rovers from February 2021 until his sacking in October last year, following a run of poor results.
