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      I’ve had deaths threats after games with thugs hoping my mum dies of AIDS & I end up paralysed, says ex-ref David Coote

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      DAVID Coote last night revealed the sickening abuse aimed at match officials — including death threats and warped internet trolls saying they hope his mum dies of AIDS in her sleep.Sacked Coote called for TV pundits to stop “whipping up” fans into a frenzy against referees amid “hysterical” analysis, claiming messages he has received from crazed supporters added to his spiral into cocaine abuse.David Coote revealed the sickening abuse aimed at match officialsCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers LtdThe sacked ref has received death threats and had warped internet trolls saying they hope his mum dies of AIDS in her sleepCredit: PAMichael Oliver sent off Gunner Myles Lewis-Skelly during Saturday’s Wolves versus Arsenal Premier League clashCredit: PAWeeping, the 42-year-old, who described some messages as “abhorrent”, told The Sun: “I’ve received death threats during my career. “I’ve needed an accelerated response tag on my home address for me to speak to the police in an emergency.“I’ve also had messages from irate supporters hoping that I had an accident on the way home from a game. “They didn’t just want me to die but to be paralysed, so I’d suffer every day for the rest of my life.Read More on Sport“Other messages included hoping that my mum dies of AIDS overnight.“People target referees without accountability on social media, and at matches. “I can’t see how that is acceptable. “There is standard abuse on a regular basis, but some crosses any line of acceptability.Most read in Football“I’m sorry people are talking about me for the wrong reasons. “I’m not here looking for sympathy. Scandal-hit Premier League ref David Coote SACKED after videos emerged of anti-Klopp rant and snorting white powder“I just want to say that I am a human being that’s made mistakes.“I’m paying the consequences. “I’m taking responsibility for making those mistakes. “I hope that others in my situation seek help in the right ways as I’m now trying to do.”Coote revealed that at the elite level of the game it’s not always a stadium full of 60,000 fans screaming ‘the referee’s a w*****’ that causes the most upset.He said: “We have an earpiece in, and are on comms. “We’re constantly talking to each other and listening to players on the field, so actually the noise in the stadium doesn’t impact us very much.“But what is more impactful is the things you hear and see that are individual — the targeted abuse.“There are fans who decide to hang around for an hour or two after a game to individually abuse us, hanging over the barriers as we leave the stadium.“And there are those who take to social media. “Some refs might not be on social media, but it still has an impact on friends and family.“Some of the things said are abhorrent. “That has more impact on us as individuals, and as people.”He went on: “Every official that takes the pitch up and down the country from a local playing field to the Premier League is a human being, not just a referee.“They have feelings. “They may not show them, but it will impact them when they’re receiving abuse. “I’ve struggled and I’ve tried to get through it in my own way and made poor decisions in doing so.“I hope that others make better decisions  and that referees are given an easier ride in the levels of scrutiny, and levels of abuse that come in their direction.“I hope this shines a light on the impact it can have on a person.”Coote spoke out as fellow referee Michael Oliver, his partner Laura and two-year-old daughter, received death threats after Saturday’s Wolves versus Arsenal Premier League clash, when he sent off Gunner Myles Lewis-Skelly.Fans said they knew where he lived and were going to brick his windows.Three weeks ago, after Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United, someone said they were going to blow up Oliver’s car with his family inside it.Coote said of the menaces towards his friend: “This isn’t the first time this season we’ve heard of such abuse. “Sadly, it won’t be the last.“I know only too well the toll these appalling and frightening threats can have, but you have no option other than to take it.“Referees have no right of reply, while those who make the threats face no action. “It has to change.”Referees have no right of reply, while those who make the threats face no action. It has to changeDavid CooteDespite his fall from grace, Coote is keen to draw attention to how tough refereeing can be. He pointed out that officials are increasingly forced into “centre stage”.In the January 8 Carabao Cup semi-final between Spurs and Liverpool, Stuart Attwell became the first ref in England to announce a VAR decision in the stadium when he explained why Dominic Solanke’s late goal for Spurs was ruled out. Coote said: “The difficulty with being a referee is that the concept of resilience is key to doing what we do.“That means the opposite of resilience is a vulnerability or a weakness. “If I’ve got to be resilient to do the job then showing weakness and vulnerability immediately casts doubt over the ability to do that role.“I hope others who are finding things difficult are given the support they need to be able to show weakness and vulnerability because it’s impossible to keep up the facade over the course of time.”Coote’s sacking triggered change in the PGMOL, the referees’ governing body, including providing psychological support.He said officials had had the chance to have their say on “what could be done differently”. He said he was grateful for the support of colleagues, the PGMOL’s Howard Webb and Danielle Every and well-wishers in the street.The support has helped me get through some really tough timesDavid CooteHe said: “The support has helped me get through some really tough times.“My episodes hit the whole refereeing community hard because it showed just how accountable everybody in the game is.”Coote, a fan of League Two Notts County, began his route to top-level officiating by running the line for his dad and uncle’s Sunday team aged 14.He was urged to take a referees’ course and progressed through the levels of the game until he was invited to become a full-time Championship official.The Premier League followed and, a few years later, he added the VAR skill set.He said: “Nobody really prepares you for moving through each level and then arriving in the Premier League, which is like a goldfish bowl.”You don’t apply for promotion, people just take a judgment on your performances and you as a person, and give you the opportunity at a new level.“All of us who operate at the top levels of the game, we’re just normal guys, football fans who’ve been fortunate enough to be selected and move through the levels.“I’ve been really fortunate as a football fan to have seen the great players at such close quarters. “But there is a trade-off. “We don’t get an easy ride of it.”Coote said there’s no a simple fix to make football genuinely inclusive.He said: “It’s a difficult world to work in. “To be ‘me’ in football wasn’t easy. “I didn’t want to draw unnecessary attention to myself and I understand why others wouldn’t want to do the same.“I’ve no doubt that if somebody did come out there would be a lot of support but also they’d be opening themselves up to online abuse and prejudicial views that have no place in the society we live in.“It’s much more than a football problem. “It’s more of a society problem, particularly given how tribal football fans can be in a win-at-all-costs game.”Despite the scandal, Coote hopes to remain in the game and is keen to play a role speaking out for refs in the media.For now, he is training for a marathon in May to raise funds for research into motor neurone disease, which his uncle has.He said: “I’ll be looking to make sure my health and wellbeing is in the best possible place.”IT’S VERY BRAVE MOVEBy AMAL FASHANU, Niece of Justin who runs foundation in his name“IT is very brave for anyone to come out, but more so for someone in the public eye.“This will affect David Coote and is a big step but it should have less of an effect that in would on a player. Amal Fashanu, niece of JustinCredit: Darren FletcherNorwich striker Justin killed himself in 1998 after becoming the first top-flight player to come outCredit: Getty – Contributor“It’s not the same level of fame.”Amal, whose former Norwich striker uncle killed himself in 1998 after becoming the first top-flight player to come out, added: “We’d love to chat to him at the foundation.“We’d be there to offer any support and counselling.“We also help people with mental health problems and would be there for him if that was an issue.“There’s still something very wrong at the top of football.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We’re in 2025, when everyone is supposedly liberal and accepting, yet something is stopping these men accepting who they are.“Football is still failing in this regard.” More

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      Police open investigations as ref Michael Oliver subjected to ‘abhorrent attacks’ after controversial Arsenal red card

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      POLICE have opened an investigation after referee Michael Oliver was subjected to “abhorrent attacks”.The official sent off Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly during the Gunners’ 1-0 win against Wolves.Michael Oliver has been targeted by ‘abhorrent attacks’Credit: GettyIt has followed his sending off of Myles Lewis-Skelly against WolvesCredit: AlamyThe decision was deemed as controversial and was not changed by VAR.The defender, 18, tripped Matt Doherty as he looked to break away.Replays showed that the Arsenal star’s studs caught the Wolves player.The Premier League confirmed that VAR supported the decision as Lewis-Skelly was guilty of “serious foul play”.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe PGMOL have now released a statement confirming that the police have opened an investigation into abuse targeting the referee.It read: “We are appalled by the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver following the Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal fixture.”No official should be subject to any form of abuse, let alone the abhorrent attacks aimed at Michael and his family over the past 24 hours.”The police are aware, and a number of investigations have commenced.Most read in Football”We are supporting Michael, and all those affected, and are determined to tackle this unacceptable behaviour.”Sadly, this is not the first time a match official has been forced to deal with threats in recent times.Mikel Arteta ‘absolutely fuming’ after controversial Myles Lewis-Skelly red cardMARK HALSEY: Questions have to be asked of VAR after Lewis-Skelly sending off… here’s what SHOULD have happenedBy Mark HalseyVAR Darren England should have recommended a review as soon as referee Michael Oliver showed Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly a straight red card for his challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty.An official has to decide whether the challenge was careless or reckless — careless is a free-kick only, reckless is a yellow card — or worthy of a red card.When a player lunges at an opponent with one or two feet from the front, the side or from the back which endangers the player’s safety with excess force or/and brutality, it must be sanctioned with a red.I saw it as a reckless challenge worthy of a yellow, not a red.So why did Darren not recommend a review? Once the red card was shown, the VAR should have intervened.If Michael had the opportunity to view the challenge again, I’m sure he would have changed his mind, cancelled the red card and issued a yellow.As for Arsenal fans’ views that Michael is biased against them, I’m not buying into that. You can never question the integrity of a match official and Michael is one of our best referees.Officials cannot get everything right and that is why we have VAR to help. So questions have to be asked of Darren.With the second yellow for Joao Gomes after catching Jurrien Timber on the ankle, you could argue that was a worse challenge than the Lewis-Skelly oneJamie Redknapp hit out at the abuse sent to OliverCredit: Sky Sports”We will continue to support all investigations.”Former Tottenham player Jamie Redknapp hit out at the abuse sent to Oliver.Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “It is absolutely disgraceful.”We are getting to the point now with referees where if you are right, you’re right and if you are wrong you are corrupt.”If we get to that point we won’t have any young referees wanting to work in the game.”Michael Oliver is by far the best referee we have I don’t think it is close.”Everyone makes mistakes, they are honest mistakes, we can probably count on one hand how many he has made in his career.”If I was to play one more match in my life he would be the referee I would want to do it.”I hope whoever is giving this abuse is found out.”Meanwhile, former head of the PGMOL Keith Hackett believes Oliver should be dropped following the red card.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was fuming with the decision as he spoke to the media after the match.He said: “It is that clear that I leave it to you guys. I am absolutely fuming but I leave it with you – because it is that obvious. I don’t think my words are going to help.”I think it is obvious that we don’t need any comments today, and hopefully, the right thing will happen after today.”Hopefully, we don’t need to (appeal) and, if we have [to], it happened and it’s a really good precedent what happened with Bruno this season as well.”So, hopefully, okay we were in a position we shouldn’t be in.READ MORE SUN STORIES”At least, let’s be in a position that we should be in for the next few weeks and allow that player to continue to do his job.”The manager could even be seen giving Oliver a death stare at full-time.Arsenal legend Ian Wright hits out at Myles Lewis Skelly red card decisionIAN WRIGHT has joined the long-list of former professionals and pundits to be left reeling by the decision to send off Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly on Saturday.The cynical challenge left most fans expecting a yellow card, but the Hale End graduate was shown red by referee Michael Oliver instead.Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Magalhaes led the on-field protests as Arsenal’s players showed their frustration at the decision.And now Gunners icon Ian Wright has weighed in on the incident, claiming that it’s “never a red”.In a video posted on social media by the former Premier Legue bagsman, he fumed: “It’s a joke!”Anyone that has ever played the game, and I’m not even talking Premier League, I’m talking five-a-side, Sunday league, knows that it’s never a red.”Yellow card, nobody says a word. Time and time again, this level of refereeing [and] the decisions in the Premier League… the inconsistency, the excuses, the apologies.”All of them are just the centre of attention for me. We can’t criticise too hard because, where are the refs going to come from? Where are we going to get them?”But I’m sorry, this is the highest level of football and we do not have the highest level of referees. When will the Premier League bring the best refs into the so called ‘best league in the world’?”Because at the moment, with this level of refereeing, we’re nowhere near it. Nowhere near it.” More

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      Chelsea star Andrey Santos victim of burglary as thieves ransack his home and he slams ‘cowards’ in now-deleted post

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      ANDREY SANTOS was the victim of a burglary while he played for Strasbourg on Saturday.Santos, 20, should have been celebrating a goalscoring performance as he helped the Ligue 1 team come back from 1-0 down against Lille to win 2-1.Andrey Santos’ house was burgled while he played for Strasbourg on SaturdayCredit: GettyThieves are said to have made off with £420,000 worth of goods from the on-loan Chelsea star’s houseCredit: GettySantos got married to childhood sweetheart Yngryd Freire in May 2023 and they are now expecting their first childCredit: instagram @ andreysantos_5But the Chelsea loanee took to Instagram to vent his fury after thieves attacked his home.In a now-deleted post to his story on the social media page, Santos said: “People from Strasbourg, I’ve always respected everyone, they were cowardly while I was playing today!”Whoever stole [from] my house has 24 hours to return everything.”According to Le Parisien, Santos’ home was burgled during the match.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe door to his home is said to have been broken down.Thieves then stole jewellery and valuables estimated to be worth around £422,000 (€500,000).Brazilian Santos signed for Chelsea in January 2023 in a deal worth £18.5million from Vasco da Gama.Santos is yet to make a competitive appearance for the Blues, but has been sent on loan three times.Most read in FootballThe first of these saw him return to his old club for the remainder of the season, before a loan at Nottingham Forest and then present club Strasbourg.He has played 19 games for the French outfit scoring eight goals and adding two assists in all competitions.Chelsea player ratings vs Man CitySantos got married to wife Yngryd Freire in May 2023.In December the couple announced they were expecting their first child. More

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      Joey Barton tells court he ‘has temper’ – but denies ‘kicking wife in the head as their kids slept upstairs’

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      JOEY Barton today told a court he can “lose his temper” but denied he kicked his wife in the head as their kids slept upstairs.The former footballer allegedly attacked Georgia Barton at their home in Kew, South West London.Joey Barton, pictured arriving at court today, is accused of shoving his wife to the groundCredit: RexBarton, seen with wife Georgia outside court today, allegedly attacked his wife before their anniversaryCredit: PABarton, 42, and Georgia had both drunk “four or five bottles of wine” with two other couples when a row erupted.Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard the ex-Man City star threatened to fight his wife’s brother and father in a “verbal disagreement about a family matter”.Barton then “grabbed [Georgia] and pushed her to the ground and kicked her in the head”, it was said.The court heard that as a friend tried to intervene, Barton “threw” him off and said “don’t disrespect me”.Read more court newsGeorgia, who was left with a lump on her forehead and a bleeding nose, called police shortly after 11pm to “report she had been hit by her husband”.During a tearful 999 call played to the court, she said: “Me husband’s just hit me in the house.”He’s in the house, I’m outside.”Asked if anything similar had happened before, she said: “No, it’s the first time,” adding that she had been hit “in the face”.Most read in FootballWhen police arrived at around 11:30pm, Georgia told them: “I’ve been pushed down and kicked about and stuff.”He said he was going to fight with my brother and my dad.”Barton was arrested at about midnight in his bedroom, where he had been asleep, and was still drunk.The couple are still married and living together, the court heard.Giving evidence, Barton admitted he had drunk “six to eight” drinks when the alleged attack unfolded.He told the court there had been a “disagreement” and he “stupidly took me mate’s side”.Barton continued: “We just got into petty name calling.”We ended up getting a bit more agitated and were close to each other.”The former footballer admitted he was someone that “on occasion” might lose his temper.But he denied the claims against him, saying: “If I kicked someone in the head there would be a lot more damage than what’s alleged in this case.”Barton was due to face trial in 2022 after pleading not guilty to assault by beating but this was halted when Georgia retracted her claims.The High Court ruled last year that the trial could go ahead and that the previous decision to drop the case was “wrong in principle”.Barton married his childhood sweetheart in a lavish ceremony in 2019 at a country house in Oxfordshire.The couple have two children together – a son born in 2011 and a daughter born in 2014.Barton started his football career with Manchester City in 2002 after going through their youth system and went on to make 150 appearances for the club.He then moved to Newcastle United in a £5.8million transfer in July 2007 before leaving for Queens Park Rangers in August 2011.The midfielder was then put on loan to French side Marseille during the 2012-13 season before making his way to Burnley for one season – helping promote them to the Premier League.Barton made one appearance for England in 2007 – despite criticising some of his fellow players.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe footballer later attempted a management career with stints at Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers.Barton denies a single charge of assault by beating and the trial continues.Barton has denied assault by beatingCredit: PAHe allegedly attacked his wife, seen with Barton in 2011, after drinking up to five bottles of wineCredit: Getty – ContributorBarton married childhood sweetheart Georgia in 2019Credit: Instagram / Georgia McneilThe former manager’s trial continuesCredit: Alamy More

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      Teenager, 17, arrested after investigation into sick social media abuse against Kai Havertz’s wife Sophia

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      A TEENAGER has been arrested on suspicion of sending vile and abusive messages to Arsenal forward Kai Havertz’s wife Sophia, cops have said. Sophia revealed she was subjected to horrific online abuse following Arsenal’s FA Cup defeat to Manchester United.Kai Havertz’s wife Sofia revealed she received vile messages from fans on SundayCredit: Instagram/@kaihavertz29Havertz missed a penalty against Man UtdCredit: AFPSophia shared screenshots of several DMs she had received on social mediaCredit: InstagramHertfordshire Police said the boy, 17, was snarred on “suspicion of sending malicious communications” during the social media abuse probe against Sophia.Havertz, 25, missed a penalty in his side’s shootout loss at the Emirates on Sunday.The ex-Chelsea man saw his spot-kick saved by United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir as the Gunners crashed out of the competition.Havertz also spurned a glorious chance to nab a late winner for Arsenal during extra time, blasting a shot over the bar despite being in front of the net.After full-time, Havertz’s wife Sophia shared screenshots of several DMs she had received on social media.Each one was filled with sick abuse aimed at the German influencer, 25, who announced her pregnancy in November.Sophia’s caption on the first screenshot read: “For anyone to think it’s okay to write something like this is so shocking to me.“I hope you are so ashamed of yourself.”Most read in FootballA second caption from Sophia on another message added: “I’m not sure what to even say but please guys be more respectful.“We are better than this…”Sophia and Havertz started dating in 2018 while the forward was still at Bayer Leverkusen.She followed him to Chelsea when the Blues paid £62million to sign him in 2020.And Sophia is now a regular fixture at Arsenal, who signed Havertz from Chelsea for £65m in 2023.The couple got engaged that same summer in lavish celebrations.And they got married in July 2024 after Havertz’s Germany was knocked out of Euro 2024.Sophia announced she was pregnant in NovemberCredit: Instagram @ kaihavertz29 More

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      Chelsea stars caught up in police chase – with three people arrested outside team’s hotel after car ploughed into cops

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      THREE people have been arrested outside a hotel where Chelsea FC stars were staying after a car ploughed into cops.This was following an earlier police chase in South London unrelated to the club or its players.The incident took place before Chelsea’s game against Wolves last nightCredit: GettyThree people were arrested after a police chaseCredit: GoogleAt around 4.30pm yesterday, a car attempted to make off from cops in Waterfront Drive, Chelsea. The car was involved in a collision with a police vehicle – although there were no injuries, said the Met Police.Three people were arrested – one man for failing to stop for police, and a man and a woman for being concerned in the supply of drugs.The Metropolitan Police confirmed that a scene remains in place and enquiries continue.A witness claimed that the Chelsea team bus was stuck at the hotel as a result of the incident, reports MyLondon.However, this didn’t stop the team from getting to Stamford Bridge on time for the match against Wolves.The Blues managed to win 3-1 despite their relegation battling opponents giving them trouble in their Premier League clash.Noni Madueke’s 65th-minute goal added to earlier strikes by defenders Tosin Adarabioyo and Marc Cucurella on what looked a convincing win for Chelsea but took far too long to get over the line.Most read in FootballIt’s a first home win for them since mid-December even if it does take Enzo Maresca’s team back into the top four right now.They are four points off second place but still ten off the top. More

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      Footballer rushed to hospital and opponent arrested as shock ‘out of the blue’ attack sees match abandoned

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      AN amateur player was taken to hospital and an opponent arrested after an alleged attack during a women’s football match.The 24-year-old was injured as she played for Goytre Women’s FC last Sunday afternoon against home team Tonyrefail Welfare Ladies.An amateur player was taken to hospital and an opponent arrested after an alleged attackCredit: WNSThe footballer was injured as she played for Goytre Women’s FC against home team Tonyrefail Welfare LadiesCredit: Google MapsOfficials abandoned the game after the incident.South Wales Police confirmed a 25-year-old woman from Tonyrefail was arrested on suspicion of assault and is on bail pending further inquiries.The injured woman is from Newport. Goytre Women’s FC tweeted: “Everyone at the club is appalled at the violent assault inflicted on one of our players yesterday which saw the game abandoned, our player hospitalised and the attacker arrested.Read More on Football”If anyone is able to provide a witness statement or video footage to help with the police investigation please get in contact with us. “Our thoughts and well wishes are with our player and her family & friends as she begins her recovery.”We’d also like to thank the paramedics and staff at the @CwmTafMorgannwg Royal Glamorgan Hospital for taking care and treating our player for her injuries and @swpolice for responding so quickly to events yesterday and we await the results of their investigation.”Goytre FC club secretary Simon Ritter said the player was attacked suddenly about an hour into the game when the team was winning 6-0.Most read in FootballRitter added that she is now recovering at home after getting a scan at the hospital.He said: “I’ve been involved in football for 20 years and never heard of anything like this before. “The assault came out of the blue.” More

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      Joey Barton appears in court after ‘sharing malicious posts about Jeremy Vine & football pundit Lucy Ward’

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      JOEY Barton has appeared in court after allegedly sharing “malicious” posts about Jeremy Vine and football commentator Lucy Ward.The former footballer was already accused of targeting pundit Eni Aluko but is now facing further charges against her colleague Lucy.Joey Barton has been charged with malicious communicationsCredit: PAHe allegedly lashed out at Lucy WardCredit: GettyBarton, who is also accused of lashing out at BBC star Vine, appeared via video-link at Chester Magistrates’ Court today.The 42-year-old is charged with two counts of malicious communications between January 3 and March 20 last year.According to the charges, the messages were of an indecent or grossly offensive nature for the purpose of causing distress and anxiety.Barton indicated he would be pleading not guilty pleas to both offences.Read more newsHe has already pleaded not guilty over the Eni Aluko tweets and is due to stand trial this year.The former Man City star was bailed to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on February 13.Barton previously branded the fresh charges as “more woke nonsense”.He landed himself in hot water after launching into alleged attacks against a string of female pundits in December 2023.Most read in FootballThis included Eni and Lucy, who at the time were working as pundits for ITV on the FA Cup clash between Crystal Palace and Everton.Barton allegedly claimed Eni “can’t even kick a ball properly”, before adding: “Your coverage of the game EFC last night, took it to a new low.”Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward, the Fred and Rose West of football commentary.”The star then accused Eni of being in the “Joseph Stalin category” for “murdering hundreds of thousands of fans’ ears”, it is said.Eni bravely revealed she was seeking legal action after the barrage left her “scared”.Vine was also caught up in a social media spat after Barton branded him a “big bike nonce”.Barton started his football career with Manchester City in 2002 after going through their youth system and went on to make 150 appearances for the club.He then moved to Newcastle United in a £5.8million transfer in July 2007 before leaving for Queens Park Rangers in August 2011.The midfielder was then put on loan to French side Marseille during the 2012-13 season before making his way to Burnley for one season – helping promote them to the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIESBarton made one appearance for England in 2007 – despite criticising some of his fellow players.The footballer later attempted a management career with stints at Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers.Barton is accused of sharing posts about Jeremy VineCredit: PAHe is already due to stand trial over alleged abuse aimed at Eni AlukoCredit: Getty More