Former Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton has denied a series of malicious communications offences.
The 42-year-old appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday afternoon, facing 12 charges related to social media posts.
They were directed at broadcaster Jeremy Vine and former women’s footballers Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward.
Barton, wearing glasses and a navy blue suit, pleaded not guilty to each count.
He gave a Widnes address to the court and is set to stand trial on November 3, 2025. The trial is expected to last five days.
Judge Andrew Menary KC released Barton on bail until the trial date, with conditions not to contact any witnesses or mention them on social media.
Barton was excused from attending a further hearing on June 27 due to a scheduled holiday.
The charges stem from tweets posted in January last year, in which Barton allegedly compared Aluko and Ward to serial killers Fred and Rose West during ITV’s coverage of an FA Cup match between Crystal Palace and Everton.
A subsequent post reportedly likened Aluko to dictators Joseph Stalin and Pol Pot, claiming she was “only there to tick a box”.
Barton had a distinguished professional football career, making over 400 appearances for notable clubs such as Manchester City, Newcastle United and Queens Park Rangers, and earning one cap for England.
He later transitioned into management, taking the reins at Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Ms Aluko, meanwhile, accumulated an impressive 102 caps for England, playing professionally in England, the United States and Italy before becoming a successful television pundit.
Similarly, Ms Ward enjoyed a 13-year playing career with clubs including Leeds United, before embarking on her own broadcasting career.
Mr Vine is a well-known media personality, hosting his own lunchtime programme on BBC Radio 2 and presenting a current affairs show on Channel 5.
However, a public spat erupted on social media between Vine and Barton, reportedly sparked by Barton’s alleged comments about the other two complainants. The controversy escalated when Barton allegedly made further defamatory remarks, labelling Vine a “big bike nonce”.