Key Highlights
- Joey Barton claims he is a victim of “political prosecution” in his trial over alleged offensive posts on X.
- Barton denies targeting women for the purpose of causing distress, stating it was meant as a joke and to provoke debate.
- The charges relate to posts about Jeremy Vine, Lucy Ward, and Eni Aluko made between January and March last year.
- Barton faces 12 counts of sending grossly offensive electronic communications with intent to cause distress or anxiety.
Joey Barton in Trial Over Alleged Offensive Posts on X
Former footballer Joey Barton is currently on trial at Liverpool Crown Court, accused of posting allegedly offensive messages on the social media platform X. Barton, who previously played for Manchester City, Newcastle United, and Marseille, has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and maintains that his posts were made in jest.
Barton’s Defense
During his testimony, Barton stated he believes he is a victim of “political prosecution.” He claimed that his intentions behind the messages were not to cause distress or anxiety but rather as a joke meant to provoke debate on women’s roles in men’s football. When questioned about his posts targeting Jeremy Vine, a sports broadcaster, and female pundits Lucy Ward and Eni Aluko, Barton emphasized that he did not intend any harm.
“It was not meant to call him a paedophile,” Barton explained regarding the reference to Vine. “It was a bad, dark, juvenile joke.” He further defended his actions by stating, “I sometimes use the wrong language. I was trying to make a serious point in a provocative way.”
The Courtroom Battle
Prosecutor Peter Wright KC challenged Barton’s claims, arguing that the posts were targeted and intended to cause distress. Wright asserted that these actions represented a “crossing of the line between free speech and crime.” In response, Barton denied any malicious intent, stating, “I defend my position. I don’t want people to fear for their lives; I’m a dad.”
Wright also accused Barton of targeting the women involved in his posts, suggesting an element of bullying. However, Barton maintained that he was addressing broader issues within football and defending his views publicly.
A Political Prosecution?
Barton went on to suggest that the case against him is politically motivated, stating, “This was the state trying to squeeze me into the ground.” He described the trial as a “spat between celebrities online” and accused it of being highly politicized.
“I cannot believe I’m on trial for words on a social media site,” Barton concluded, expressing disbelief at his legal predicament. The court continues to hear testimony from both sides, with Barton facing 12 charges related to the alleged posts between January and March last year.
The case highlights ongoing debates surrounding freedom of speech and online behavior in professional sports. As the trial progresses, it will be crucial to assess whether Barton’s defense holds up against the allegations brought forth by the prosecution.
