Ex-Manchester City footballer Joey Barton has pleaded not guilty to an offence of malicious communications in relation to social media posts to pundit Eni Aluko.
Barton, 41, appeared at Warrington Magistrates' Court on Tuesday (July 3) accused of conveying an indecent or offensive message between January 3 and 8 in connection with posts on social media site X.
He appeared in the dock wearing a dark checked suit and a navy shirt and tie and spoke to confirm his name, address and date of birth to deputy senior district Judge Tan Ikram, as well as to elect for his case to be heard at the Crown court after entering a not guilty plea.
Mr Barton tweeted after Aluko and Lucy Ward were pundits for ITV for an FA Cup match between Crystal Palace and Everton on January 4, allegedly comparing them to serial killers Fred and Rose West.
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