Former footballer Joey Barton has been convicted of sending grossly offensive social media posts about broadcaster Jeremy Vine and TV football pundits Lucy Ward and Eni Aluko.

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 X, formerly Twitter.

Joey Barton is due to stand trial after being accused of sending malicious tweets to football pundit Eni Aluko. | Peter Byrne/PA Wire

placeholder image — Joey Barton is due to stand trial after being accused of sending malicious tweets to football pundit Eni Aluko. | Peter Byrne/PA Wire

Barton, who was born and raised in Huyton, Merseyside played for Manchester City, Newcastle United, Queen Park Rangers and Burnley during his career.

In June 2018 he commenced his managerial career with Fleetwood Town remaining in charge until January 2021. He also managed Bristol Rovers.

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.