Ex-footballer Barton convicted over social media posts

Former British soccer player Joey Barton has been convicted of sending grossly offensive social media posts about two ex-players and a broadcaster.

A jury at Liverpool Crown Court found Barton, 43, had "crossed the line between free speech and a crime" with six posts he made on the social media site X.

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

Barton was charged over the posts on X which were sent to former England international Eni Aluko, former player-turned-pundit Lucy Ward and BBC presenter Jeremy Vine.

Prosecutors said the messages sent by Barton, who played for clubs including Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers and managed Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers, "crossed the line between free speech and a crime".

Barton had previously made several appearances in court, having been convicted earlier this year of assaulting his wife and in 2024 ordered to pay damages to Mr Vine after a separate civil libel lawsuit.

He argued his posts were provocative or meant to be "banter", and not intended to cause distress or anxiety.

After a trial at Liverpool Crown Court, Barton was convicted of six counts but cleared of six other charges.

He is expected to be sentenced next month.

Additional reporting Reuters