Former England footballer and pundit Eni Aluko has expressed her pride and relief after Joey Barton was found guilty of sending grossly offensive messages about her on social media.
A Landmark Legal Verdict
A jury at Liverpool Crown Court convicted the former Manchester City and Newcastle United midfielder for six separate posts on the platform X. The posts targeted Aluko, fellow pundit Lucy Ward, and broadcaster Jeremy Vine.
The court ruled that Barton's online behaviour had crossed the line between free speech and a crime. He was, however, cleared of six other similar counts. The sentencing for the convicted charges is scheduled for 8 December.
Aluko's Stand Against Online Bullying
Reacting to the verdict, Aluko stated she felt very proud to have stood up against what she described as Barton's online bullying. She emphasised the critical importance of there being consequences for such conduct, which she said she would not tolerate.
Aluko's statement highlighted the significance of the ruling for individuals facing similar abuse online, marking a pivotal moment in holding people accountable for their actions on digital platforms.
A Positive Culmination to a Challenging Period
In a positive turn of events, Aluko also spoke of her honour at being inducted into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame. She views this recognition as an affirmation of her journey and the principles she has stood by, following what she described as a difficult chapter.
This professional accolade, coupled with the court's verdict, allows her to close a challenging period, reinforcing the value of resilience and integrity.
