Ex-footballer Joey Barton has been accused of posting malicious tweets on Twitter about comments made by analyst Eni Aluko.

Joey Barton, 41, is due to appear before Warrington magistrates' court next week after Cheshire Police confirmed the allegations. In a statement on its website, police said, "A man from Widnes has been summoned to court to answer allegations of malicious communication." If found guilty, he could face a maximum sentence of up to two years in prison and/or a fine. Joey Barton has played for the likes of Manchester City and Newcastle, and has one England international appearance to his name.