RETIRED footballer Joey Barton has been charged with sending malicious communications online, police have said.

The 41-year-old, described by police as a ‘Widnes man’, will appear before Warrington Magistrates’ Court next week.

Cheshire Police said this is after the Crown Prosecution Service authorised the charge against him.

They are believed to relate to comments he made criticising football pundit Eni Aluko during her commentary on an FA Cup match broadcast by ITV in January.

In a statement, Cheshire Police said: “A man from Widnes has been summoned to court to face charges of malicious communications.

“Following an investigation by Cheshire Police, the Crown Prosecution Service has since authorised the charges for Joseph Barton.

“The 41-year-old will appear at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, July 30.

“The charges relate to reports of alleged malicious communications online, between Monday, January 1, and Thursday, January 18.”

If convicted, the offence carries a maximum penalty of up to two years imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.

Barton, an ex-Premier League player for Manchester City and Newcastle, tweeted to his 2.8million followers: “I’m up next month…for ‘malicious communications’ charge at Warrington Mag (sic) for Eni Aluko tweets.

“Crazy times we’re living in. Haven’t the police got enough on their hands? British system is becoming a Banana Republic.

“Lawfare used against its own citizens for having a dissenting voice. Not quite North Korea yet but won’t be long. Viva La Revolution.”

Aluko played for Chelsea women and the England national team, scoring 33 international goals in 102 games, before retiring in 2020 and establishing a broadcasting career.