Eni Aluko denies she 'fled the country' after Joey Barton abuse and explains real reason

Eni Aluko denied she “fled the country” because she received abuse from Joey Barton.

Former Manchester City and Newcastle United midfielder Barton compared Aluko and co-commentator Lucy Ward to serial killers Fred and Rose West after they covered Crystal Palace and Everton’s 0-0 draw in the FA Cup third-round first leg.

ITV subsequently criticised the "vindictive remarks", while sports minister Stuart Andrew said the "dangerous comments open the floodgates for abuse".

And on Tuesday evening Aluko posted two emotional videos on Instagram claiming she was “scared” to leave her house.

"I felt under threat this week," the 36-year-old said on Instagram.

"I'm human, and I'm more than happy to admit I've been scared this week. I've genuinely been scared. I didn't leave my house until Friday, and I'm now abroad because it's really important to say that online abuse has a direct impact on your safety and how you feel, and how safe you feel in real life.

"I felt like something was going to happen to me. And I don't say that for anyone to feel sorry for me, I say that for people to understand the reality and the impact that hate speech has; the impact that racism has; the impact that sexism and misogyny has on all of us females in the game."

Aluko’s comments subsequently led to further criticism on social media, as some accounts ridiculed the former Lioness for “fleeing” the country because of the controversy.

However Aluko has since clarified on Instagram that she had always planned to travel to AFCON for work, insisting she hadn’t left the UK because of Barton’s online abuse.

In an Instagram story, Aluko said: “Apologise for ruining the juicy sensationalist headlines... but to clarify that I haven't "fled" the country.

“I'm at the Africa Cup of Nations with TV, media and tournament organisers for work and to enjoy the football.

“I had always planned to travel. The timing couldn't be better though.”

She added: “Cote d'Ivoire is beautiful with an incredible energy amongst football fans right now! Ivory Coast vs Nigeria tomorrow! I'm Nervous.”

Topics: Football, Joey Barton, Africa Cup Of Nations

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.