Eni Aluko Issues Statement as Joey Barton Reacts to Guilty Verdict Over X Posts

Eni Aluko has released a statement after Joey Barton was found guilty of sending 'grossly offensive' social media posts.

Former Newcastle United, Manchester City and Marseille midfielder Barton was convicted after social media posts aimed at football pundits Lucy Ward and Aluko, as well as broadcaster Jeremy Vine.

The 43-year-old compared Ward and Aluko to serial killer couple Fred and Rose West and went on to superimpose the faces of the two women onto a photograph of the serial murderers.

He also described Aluko as being in the "Joseph Stalin/Pol Pot category", suggesting that she had "murdered hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of football fans' ears".

On Friday, as per the BBC, a jury convicted him of six counts of sending 'grossly offensive electronic communication with intent to cause distress or anxiety'.

Barton was cleared of six other counts that he sent a grossly offensive electronic communication with the intent to cause distress or anxiety between January and March 2024.

The ex-player was seen wearing a scarf patterned with the Union flag. The honorary Recorder of Liverpool, Andrew Menary KC, said: "He has chosen to adorn himself with a particular flag, which I suppose is a stunt to make a point.

"He will not be permitted to do that on the sentencing date."

Barton was bailed ahead of sentencing on December 8.

Joey Barton. Image: Getty

In response to the guilty verdict, Barton took to social media and posted the lyrics of the Oasis song 'Listen Up'.

Meanwhile, Aluko issued a statement on her social media account.

She wrote: "Social media and specifically X is a cesspit where too many people feel they can say things under the guise of freedom of speech to others they wouldn't dream of saying in real life.

"The crown court guilty verdict today is a reminder that actions and words online do not come without real world and criminal consequences.

"The posts directed at me, Lucy Ward and Jeremy Vine by Joey Barton were deeply distressing and had a real damaging impact on my life and career. I am glad that justice has been served."