Key Highlights
- Lucy Ward testified that Joey Barton’s social media posts left her “physically scared” and intimidated.
- Barton is on trial at Liverpool Crown Court for 12 counts of sending grossly offensive electronic communications with intent to cause distress or anxiety.
- The posts compared women footballers to the “Fred and Rose West of football,” drawing comparisons to a notorious serial killer couple.
Joey Barton’s Social Media Posts Sparked Intimidation, Court Told
Lucy Ward, a former Manchester City player, testified in court that social media posts from Joey Barton left her “physically scared” and intimidated. The incident, which took place between January and March last year, has raised concerns over the use of social media as a platform for harassment.
Timeline and Context
The case against 43-year-old Barton centers around allegations that he sent offensive messages to Ms. Ward, fellow football pundit Eni Aluko, and broadcaster Jeremy Vine through X (formerly known as Twitter). These posts are alleged to have crossed the line between free speech and a criminal offense.
Key Testimony
Mrs. Ward testified that Barton’s general viewpoint, which did not favor women playing in men’s football, was part of what intimidated her. She recounted how Barton compared Aluko and herself to the “Fred and Rose West of football” after a televised FA Cup tie.
“It was very unpleasant to be the subject of someone’s abuse,” Ms.
Ward said. “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.”
Continued Harassment
The harassment escalated to such an extent that Ms. Ward felt physically scared by Barton’s posts. She described the messages as “continuous harassment” and “bullying,” which made her feel vulnerable, especially when attending football games.
“I just thought this is going to explode in a really negative way,” Ms. Ward said. “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 want to be compared with.”
Defence Response
The defense argued that Barton’s comments about the women’s football were a form of professional critique. “There is a vast difference between the men’s and women’s game,” said Simon Csoka KC, defending Barton.
Mrs. Ward, however, disagreed. She stated, “You don’t have to have done it if you know what you are talking about.” Ms. Ward added that she felt intimidated by the posts, especially given their nature comparing her and other women footballers to a notorious serial killer couple.
Impact on Women’s Football
The case highlights the challenges faced by women in male-dominated sports. Eni Aluko also testified about being “astounded” by Barton’s post, which likened her to the Wests. The former England international said she had exchanged friendly, supportive messages with Barton prior to his offensive posts.
“I would have expected, if he did have an issue with my punditry, he would maybe message me and say so,” Aluko said. “But the fact he did that publicly suggests it was malicious and was intended to get as much attention as possible, all at a time when he was promoting a podcast.”
Legal Implications
Barton denies sending any offensive messages with intent to cause distress or anxiety. The trial is ongoing, with the jury considering evidence from both sides. If found guilty, Barton could face significant legal consequences.
The case has drawn attention to the use of social media as a platform for harassment and intimidation in professional sports, particularly affecting female athletes. It also underscores the importance of maintaining respectful discourse within the industry.
