A dramatic day unfolded for Joey Barton, the former England footballer, as he faced a hefty legal bill and criminal charges in separate, stunning developments. He was ordered to pay over £300,000 to Eni Aluko, the former England player and pundit, in damages and legal costs stemming from a libel suit.
The legal battle centered around a series of posts Barton made on social media in 2024, where he falsely accused Aluko of exploiting claims of racism and bullying for personal gain, branding her a hypocrite. The High Court heard Barton waged a “deliberately targeted public campaign of vilification” against Aluko, publishing 48 posts over several months.
The campaign escalated to a disturbing level, including a deeply offensive image of Aluko’s head superimposed onto the body of serial killer Rosemary West. This act, and the broader assault on her character, caused Aluko significant distress, leaving her feeling trapped and vulnerable to further manipulation.
Barton did not attend the court hearing, a notable absence explained by his barrister, who revealed the former footballer had been arrested the previous day and remained in police custody. He has since acknowledged his actions constituted harassment and that the publications should not have been made.
Simultaneously, Barton is facing serious criminal charges related to an assault near a golf club. Merseyside police confirmed he and another man were charged with wounding with intent following an incident that left a man with serious injuries to his face and body.
Emergency services responded to the scene near Huyton and Prescot Golf Club on Sunday evening, finding a man in serious but stable condition in hospital. Both Barton and the other suspect are members of the golf club and are scheduled to appear in court.
The court order demands Barton pay £339,000, with an initial payment of £100,000 plus interest due within weeks. These parallel legal and criminal proceedings mark a turbulent and potentially career-altering moment for the former footballer.
