Trial date set for former footballer Joey Barton over malicious tweets charge

The former manager, 41, is accused of sending malicious communications to football pundit Eni Aluko

The 41-year-old was told a three-day trial would be held on May 19 next year (Peter Byrne/PA)

A trial date has been set for ex-footballer Joey Barton, who is accused of sending malicious communications to football pundit Eni Aluko.

Barton, 41, pleaded not guilty at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday to a charge of conveying an indecent or offensive message, for the purpose of causing distress or anxiety, between January 3 and 8, in connection with posts on social media site X that he made about the former women’s footballer.