Joey Barton charged over malicious communications

Ex-footballer Joey Barton has been charged with making malicious communications.

The former Manchester City and Burnley player is due to appear in court on July 30.

On his X account, Mr Barton, 41, said he had been charged over tweets relating to broadcaster Eni Aluko.

Cheshire Police said the charges concerned messages sent between 1 and 18 January.

In a statement, a force spokesman said: "A man from Widnes has been summoned to court to face charges of malicious communications.

"Following an investigation by Cheshire Police, the Crown Prosecution Service has since authorised the charges for Joseph Barton."

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