Joey Barton charged by police over alleged malicious communications

The controversial ex-Premier League player tweeted to say he had been charged over his tweets about Eni Aluko, a former England footballer and pundit.

Joey Barton has been charged by police over alleged malicious communications online.

It follows an investigation by Cheshire Police who said the charges related to messages the former footballer sent between 1 and 18 January.

Barton, 41, tweeted to say he had been charged over his tweets about Eni Aluko, a former England footballer and pundit.

If convicted he could face up to two years imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.

The controversial ex-Premier League player for Manchester City and Newcastle tweeted: "I'm up next month...for 'malicious communications' charge at Warrington Mag [sic] for Eni Aluko tweets.

"Crazy times we're living in. Haven't the police got enough on their hands? British system is becoming a Banana Republic. Lawfare used against its own citizens for having a dissenting voice. Not quite North Korea yet but won't be long. Viva La Revolution."

Barton will appear at Warrington Magistrates' Court on Tuesday 30 July.

He was sacked from the post of Bristol Rovers manager last year after almost three years in charge following a run of poor results.

Aluko, 36, made more than 100 appearances for the Lionesses before retiring in 2020 and moving to punditry.