ENI Aluko has won the first part of her libel case against Joey Barton after he accused her of playing the “race card”.
Ex-Man City star was taken to by the pundit following a string of posts he made on X in January.
She claimed the two posts were defamatory – including one where he targeted her family and background.
Barton, 42, branded her a “race card player” and accused her of playing the “victim card”, adding: “Cry me a f***ing river”.
He also claimed “everyone is laughing at you” and said she knew “next to nothing about men's football”.
Eni has now won part of her case at the High Court after a judge found Barton made defamatory remarks.
Mr Justice Lavender had been asked to consider the “natural and ordinary meaning”; of the posts.
Eni, 38, welcomed the ruling, saying: “The posts were an unwarranted attack on my personal and professional identity, my integrity and my family life – in particular my late father.”
Barton could still appeal the decision and defend his statements if the case proceeds to trial.
His lawyer William McCormick KC previously described the claims as “strained, forced and unreasonable”;.
In a separate case, Barton has denied sharing “malicious” posts about , Eni and her colleague Lucy Ward.
The former footballer allegedly compared the pundits toFredandand brandedRadio2 presenter Vine a “bike nonce”.
He is due to stand trial later this year at Crown Court charged with 12 offences.
Barton started his career with in 2002 after going through their youth system and went on to make 150 appearances for the club.
He then moved to in a £5.8million transfer in July 2007 before leaving for in August 2011.
The midfielder was then put on loan to French side Marseille during the 2012-13 season before making his way tofor one season – helping promote them to the Premier League.
Barton made one appearance for in 2007 – despite criticising some of his fellow players.
The footballer later attempted a management career with stints atFleetwoodTown and.
