Former footballer Joey Barton has been sentenced to six months in custody, suspended for 18 months, for offensive social media posts targeting pundits Lucy Ward, Eni Aluko, and broadcaster Jeremy Vine. The 43-year-old was found guilty last month at Liverpool Crown Court of six counts of sending grossly offensive electronic communications with intent to cause distress or anxiety. Following an FA Cup match between Crystal Palace and Everton, posts made from January to March 2024 featured extreme and offensive comparisons and accusations, eliciting widespread condemnation. 

Barton’s sentence highlights the continuing legal ramifications of online harassment and offensive behavior on social media, emphasizing the gravity of digital communications in the UK.