Joey Barton denies malicious posts about pundit

Ex-footballer Joey Barton has denied making malicious communications in relation to social media posts directed at pundit Eni Aluko.

Barton, 41, appeared at Warrington Magistrates' Court accused of conveying an indecent or offensive message between 3 and 8 January about the former women's footballer.

The ex-Manchester City, Burnley and Rangers midfielder spoke to confirm his name, address and date of birth to deputy senior district judge Tan Ikram, and entered a not guilty plea.

He was told he must appear at Liverpool Crown Court on 27 August.

Judge Ikram said: "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."

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

Aluko, who played for Chelsea and England, scored 33 international goals in 102 games before retiring in 2020 and establishing a broadcasting career.

Barton's playing career began in 2002 at Manchester City and ended in 2017 at Burnley.

He also played for Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers and Marseille and appeared once for England.

Originally from Huyton, Merseyside, he went on to manage Fleetwood Town in 2018 before taking over at Bristol Rovers in 2021.

He later left Rovers in 2023 and has not since taken up a managerial position.