💥 Explore this must-read post from BBC Sport 📖
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TV football commentator Lucy Ward told a jury that Joey Barton’s social media posts had left her “terrified” and “physically frightened”.
Former Manchester City player Mr Barton allegedly “crossed the line between free speech and crime” with messages on X about Ms Ward, fellow football critic Ene Aluko and broadcaster Jeremy Vine.
Barton, 43, who has 2.7 million followers on the platform, is on trial at Liverpool Crown Court on charges of sending grossly offensive electronic communications with intent to cause distress or anxiety, which he denies.
In January 2024, the midfielder likened Ms Aluko and Ms Ward to “Fred and Rose West football commentary” after a televised FA Cup match.
Giving evidence, Ms Ward said she “knew he was going to call me at some stage” because of Mr Barton’s general view that he did not like women commentating on men’s football.
When asked by prosecutor Peter Wright KC how she felt about the post, she said: “I felt intimidated. It was very unpleasant to be the subject of abuse from someone.”
“I’m trying to do my job. I’m one of the few women who does this and I’ve already crossed a lot of barriers. It’s hard to do your job with that going on.”
“Fred and Rose West tortured, sexually abused and murdered children, so I couldn’t really figure out why they called me that. At first it was very cruel but obviously it continued after that.”
“I’ve now gotten to the point where I’m getting a little bit scared, really physically scared. It’s been constant harassment, what I would call bullying.”
“I felt weak going to matches.”
Barton, from Widnes, Cheshire, later posted a photo of her and Ms Aluko’s faces above a photo of West.
Ms Ward, who played women’s football for Leeds United and later became head of education and social care before her current 20-year broadcasting career, told the court: “I just thought this was going to blow up in a really negative way.
“I’m in the public eye, I’m always in the games, and insinuating two people tortured, sexually assaulted and murdered children is not someone you want to be compared to.”
Defender Simon Chuka said: “In terms of being able to bring your own expertise to the men’s game, you can only do that if you’re in the men’s game?”
“Not necessarily,” said Mrs. Ward. “Football is football.”
“You don’t have to do that if you know what you’re talking about.”
“There is a huge difference between the men’s and women’s game,” Mr Csoka said.
“Yes, women win things,” Ms Ward said to laughter in court.
Mr Chuka said: “Do you understand what is meant by ‘he or she kills the comment’?”
“Yes, it’s not very nice,” said Mrs. Ward.
Mr Chuka said: “But did you understand what was said?”
“Yes,” replied Mrs. Ward.
Mr Csoka said: “The same goes for the image of your face and Ini Aloko’s face superimposed on the image of Fred and Rose West – it’s clearly not pleasant – but do you understand what the analogy is?”
“I think unless you’re on the receiving end of it. It’s horrific,” Ms Ward said.
Barton denies the alleged crimes, which were said to have been committed between January and March last year.
The trial continues.
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