Joey Barton Trial Date Set Over Malicious Posts

A trial has been scheduled for former footballer Joey Barton, who is accused of sending malicious messages to football analyst Eni Aluko.

Mr Barton, 41, pleaded not guilty at Liverpool Crown Court to a charge of transmitting an indecent or offensive message with intent to cause distress or anxiety between January 3 and January 8.

The charge relates to posts on social media site X allegedly made from Mr Barton’s account about the former football star.

Liverpool Clerk Andrew Menary KC said a three-day trial would take place on May 19 next year.

Mr Barton, who wore a dark checked jacket with a shirt and tie, also spoke to confirm his name and date of birth.

The former football manager was granted bail, but was given the condition that he was no longer allowed to mention Aluko on social media.

The hearing, which lasted about 10 minutes, focused on pre-trial administrative matters.

Aluko, who played for Chelsea and England, scored 33 international goals in 102 games before retiring in 2020 to pursue a career in broadcasting.

Barton, a former Manchester City and Newcastle player from Widnes, Cheshire, was sacked as manager of League One Bristol Rovers last October after almost three years following a run of poor results.