Former football manager and player, Joey Barton, has been sentenced for offensive social media posts.
Barton, from Huyton, Merseyside, was found guilty by a jury of sending grossly offensive electronic communications with intent to cause distress or anxiety.
He was given six months in custody, suspended for 18 months, at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday, for six posts that were published on X.
The posts targeted football pundits Lucy Ward and Eni Aluko as well as TV presenter Jeremy Vine between January and March 2024.
Photo: Michelle Ponting
Mikey Connor, an influencer, presenter and reality TV star who is also known for being involved with football, having experience as a referee, player and coach, reacted to the news following the sentencing.
He said: “At the end of the day, football’s football, it doesn’t matter who you are, what you are, and what colour you are… ultimately football’s for everyone.”
He added: “Football fans, whether it’s pitch side in the stadium, whether it’s online, where the players are getting abused, obviously, clubs need to make a standpoint and condemn it and obviously make people aware that football’s not just for the typical state man and woman. It’s for everybody, everyone’s included.”
Barton, who managed Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers, also received 200 hours of community service and more than £20,000 of costs.
Featured image: Michelle Ponting
