'Line Between Free Speech And Crime'! Former Premier League Star Found Guilty Of Six Counts Of...

Last Updated:November 08, 2025, 00:00 IST

Barton was convicted of sending offensive social media posts to former players Eni Aluko, Lucy Ward and BBC presenter Jeremy Vine in early 2024.

Joey Barton. (X)

A jury at the Liverpool Crown Court found former Premier League star Joey Barton guilty on six counts of sending offensive social media posts to former England international Eni Aluko, former player-turned-pundit Lucy Ward and BBC presenter Jeremy Vine in early 2024.

Prosecutors said the messages sent by the 43-year-old Englishman, who has represented Manchester City and Newcastle among other clubs, crossed the line between free speech and a crime.

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The former Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers manager, who was also cleared of six other charges, is excepted to be sentenced next month.

Barton had previously faced several court appearances, having been convicted earlier this year for assaulting his wife, and in 2024, he was ordered to pay damages to Vine following a separate civil libel lawsuit.

He argued that his posts were provocative or meant to be banter, and not intended to cause distress or anxiety.

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The Merseyside-born Barton had youth stints with Everton and Liverpool before moving to Manchester City, before making his senior debut for the Mancunian club in the year 2002.

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