Former Premier League footballer Joey Barton has been dealt a costly blow after a judge ordered him to pay broadcaster Jeremy Vine a staggering £200,000 in legal fees following a failed libel claim.
The controversial ex-Manchester City midfielder had sued Vine over tweets the BBC Radio 2 host posted in response to Barton's online attacks. However, the High Court ruled decisively against Barton, dismissing his case as "unarguable" and ordering him to cover Vine's substantial legal costs.
Social Media Spat Turns Costly
The dispute began when Barton, known for his outspoken social media presence, launched a series of inflammatory posts about Vine and other public figures. Vine responded by comparing Barton's behaviour to that of a "bike thief" – a reference to Barton's criminal past that landed him in prison in 2008 for assault and affray.
Barton claimed Vine's comments were defamatory, but Mr Justice Nicklin threw out the case, stating: "The claimant's case is unarguable. The defendant's words were clearly comment rather than fact."
From Pitch to Courtroom
This legal defeat marks another chapter in Barton's turbulent post-football career. Since retiring from professional football in 2017, the 41-year-old has courted controversy with his increasingly combative online persona and media appearances.
The £200,000 payment comes on top of Barton's own legal costs, making this a particularly expensive misstep. Legal experts suggest the case serves as a warning about the dangers of social media feuds escalating into costly courtroom battles.
Vine, who presents his popular BBC radio show from London, has yet to comment publicly on the ruling. Meanwhile, Barton's representatives have indicated they are considering their options regarding a potential appeal.
