Joey Barton Trial: Football commentator Details Online Harassment and Fear
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A football commentator testified that social media posts from former Manchester City player Joey Barton left her “intimidated” and “physically scared,” as Barton stands trial accused of online harassment. The 43-year-old, who boasts 2.7 million followers on X (formerly Twitter), is facing 12 counts of causing harassment and alarm, and 12 counts of malicious communication.
Ward Recounts Feeling of Vulnerability
Giving evidence, ms. Ward explained she “knew he would get to me at one point” due to BartonS established views on women offering commentary on men’s football. She described the impact of a post in January 2024 where Barton likened her and Ms.Aluko to “Fred and Rose West of football commentary” following an FA Cup tie.
“Intimidated,” she stated, describing her initial reaction. “It was very unpleasant to be the subject of someone’s abuse. I’m trying to do my job.I am one of the few females doing it and I have already crossed over a lot of barriers. It’s tough to do your job with that happening.”
Ms. Ward further detailed her growing fear, explaining that the comparison to Fred and Rose West – notorious serial killers who tortured, sexually abused, and murdered children – was deeply disturbing. “At first it was very, very harsh but then obviously it continued,” she said. “It was getting to the stage now where I got a little scared, physically scared really. It was a continuous harassment, what I would call bullying. I felt vulnerable going to games.”
Escalation of Online Attacks
The court heard that Barton later posted an image digitally altering Ms. Ward’s and Ms. Aluko’s faces onto a photograph of Fred and Rose West. Ms. Ward, who has a 20-year broadcasting career following a playing career with Leeds United, expressed her concern about the potential consequences of the post. “I just thought this is going to explode in a really negative way,” she testified. “I’m in the public eye,I’m always at games and the insinuation with two people who tortured,sexually abused and killed children is not somebody you wont to be compared with.”
Defense Questions Expertise
During cross-examination, Simon Csoka KC, defending Barton, questioned whether Ms. Ward’s expertise was valid without having played the men’s game. “So far as being able to offer your own expertise on the men’s game, you can only do that if you were in the men’s game?” he asked.Ms. Ward responded firmly, “Not necessarily. Football is football. You don’t have to have done it if you know what you are talking about.”
Mr. Csoka also raised the expression “murdering the commentary,” asking if Ms. Ward understood its meaning. She acknowledged it was “not very pleasant.” When questioned about the superimposed photograph, Ms. Ward stated, “I think unless you have been on the receiving end of it. It’s horrific.”
Aluko Details “Devastating” Impact
The court also heard testimony from Eni Aluko, who described herself as “astounded” by Barton’s comparison to the Wests, notably given their previous “friendly, supportive” private messages exchanged between 2017 and 2020. She suggested the public nature of the post indicated malicious intent, possibly linked to promoting his podcast.
Ms. Aluko stated the posts left her “devastated,” adding, “for about a week I couldn’t leave my house” and feeling “completely intimidated and depressed.”
The trial continues.
