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Former Birmingham City footballer Eni Aluko was “astounded” by a social media post from Joey Barton comparing her to serial killers Fred and Rose West, a court heard.

The ex-player, who is now a TV pundit, said it came after the pair had previously exchanged “friendly, supportive” private messages.

Ex-Manchester City and Newcastle United player Barton is alleged to have “crossed the line between free speech and a crime” with messages on X, formerly Twitter, about Ms Aluko, who grew up in Birmingham and later worked for Aston Villa, football co-commentator Lucy Ward and broadcaster Jeremy Vine.

In January 2024, Barton – who has 2.7 million followers on X – likened Ms Aluko and Ms Ward to the “Fred and Rose West of football commentary” after a televised FA Cup tie between

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