Joey Barton has pleaded not guilty to an offence of malicious communications in relation to a series of social media posts he made about football pundit Eni Aluko. The former Premier League football has been granted bail on the condition that he does not mention the ex-Lioness forward.

Barton appeared at Warrington Magistrates’ Court accused of conveying an indecent or offensive message in connection to posts he made about Aluko on social media platform X. The 41-year-old appeared in the dock wearing a dark checked suit and a navy shirt and tie and spoke to confirm his name, address and date of birth to deputy senior district judge Tan Ikram.

After an FA Cup tie between Crystal Palace and Everton in January, Barton made posts about Aluko and fellow broadcaster Lucy Ward, who were both working on the match for ITV. He allegedly compared them to the serial killers Fred and Rose West.

Prosecutor Joshua Sanderson-Kirk told the court that Barton then compared Aluko to Joseph Stalin and Pol Pot.

Barton, who played for Manchester City and Newcastle among a host of other clubs, has been told to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on August 27. He has been granted bail on the condition that he does not mention Aluko on social media - directly, indirectly or by inference.

Judge Ikram said: “Mr Barton, I am sending your case to the crown court. You will appear at 9.30am on August 27. I am granting you conditional bail with one condition that you will not make any mention of Eni Aluko on any social media, and that is either directly or indirectly, or by inference.

“I am imposing that condition to ensure no further offences are created. Make sure you are there on time please. If you do not appear, a warrant may be issued. You are free to leave the court.”

Barton nodded at the judge as he left the court room with his defence solicitor Richard Derby.

Since retiring from playing, Barton has had managerial spells with Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers. The ex-midfielder was sacked by the latter in October 2023 with his side 16th in League One after 13 matches.

Aluko, 37, retired from playing in 2019 following a spell that included spells with Chelsea and Juventus among other clubs. She made 102 appearances for England and scored 33 goals, in addition to five matches for Team GB at the Olympics.