Key Highlights
- Lucy Ward testified that Joey Barton’s X posts left her “intimidated” and “physically scared.”
- Barton is on trial at Liverpool Crown Court accused of 12 counts of sending a grossly offensive electronic communication with intent to cause distress or anxiety.
- The former Manchester City player compared women football pundits to the “Fred and Rose West of football” in January 2024, prompting Ward’s testimony.
- Ward described Barton’s posts as continuous harassment and bullying, stating she felt vulnerable going to games.
The Controversy: Barton’s Social Media Posts and Their Impact on Ward
Lucy Ward, a well-known figure in women’s football, testified at the Liverpool Crown Court that Joey Barton’s social media posts left her feeling intimidated and physically scared. This testimony came during a trial where Barton is accused of sending 12 counts of grossly offensive electronic communications with intent to cause distress or anxiety.
According to Ward, Barton’s posts were part of a broader pattern of behavior that made her feel harassed and bullied. In January 2024, Barton likened Ms.
Aluko and Ms. Ward to the “Fred and Rose West of football ary,” after a televised FA Cup tie. This comparison, which Ward described as extremely unpleasant, was not just a one-time incident but continued over time.
Continuous Harassment and Comparison to Torturers
“I knew he would get to me at one point because of his general viewpoint that he did not like women ing on men’s football,” Ward explained. She added, “It was very unpleasant to be the subject of someone’s abuse.” Ward emphasized that she is one of the few females doing her job in a male-dominated field and has already crossed many barriers.
“The comparison to Fred and Rose West was horrific. I couldn’t really work out why I was being called that,” Ward said, referring to the notorious serial killers who tortured and killed several individuals. “It was getting to the stage now where I got a little scared, physically scared really. It was continuous harassment.”
Public vs. Private Communications
The trial also highlighted the difference between Barton’s public posts and private communications. Eni Aluko testified that she had exchanged friendly, supportive messages with Barton before the controversial post appeared on his social media page. Aluko said she was “astounded” by the public post, which compared her to Fred and Rose West after a history of positive private interactions.
Aluko described feeling devastated by the post, stating that for about a week afterward, she couldn’t leave her house due to the intimidation and depression it caused. The court heard that Barton’s posts were seen as malicious, intended to gain maximum attention during a time when he was promoting his podcast.
The Trial Continues
Joey Barton, 43, who has over 2.7 million followers on X, is currently denying all charges at the Liverpool Crown Court trial. The allegations span from January to March last year and include sending grossly offensive electronic communications with intent to cause distress or anxiety.
The case highlights ongoing issues in sports regarding gender equality and social media behavior. Ward’s testimony underscores the psychological impact of harassment, especially when it comes from high-profile figures. As the trial continues, it will be crucial to understand the broader implications for how social media is used within professional sports communities.
