'Genuinely scared' - Eni Aluko admits to feeling 'under threat' after horrific online abuse from ex-Man City footballer Joey Barton forces her to leave the country

Ex-Bristol Rovers manager Barton has repeatedly said women should not be talking with any authority about men's football. Among a number of social media posts, he described Aluko and fellow ITV broadcaster Lucy Ward as the "Fred and Rose West of football commentary", a notorious married duo of serial killers. Despite an outpouring of support for Aluko and Ward, the pair were on the receiving end of abuse on X, formerly Twitter; something that has taken its toll on the 36-year-old.

In an Instagram video, the former footballer said: "I’ve genuinely been scared this week. I didn’t leave my house until Friday and I’m now abroad. Because it’s really important to say that online abuse has a direct impact on your safety and how you feel and how safe you feel in real life.

“I’ve felt under threat this week. I’ve felt like something is going to happen to me. And I don’t say that for anyone to feel sorry for me – I say that for people to understand the reality and the impact that hate speech has. The impact that racism has. The impact that sexism has. The impact that misogyny has on all of us females in the game [and] in sports broadcasting.

“That’s the real impact – and it’s not an isolated incident, this is now showing up as a culture in the game, from certain fan bases and certain people. They’re creating a culture where people don’t want to go to work, people don’t want to leave their house, people feel under threat. Obviously there’s a big impact on mental health as well.”

Aluko has also revealed she may take legal action against Barton, who encouraged people to ,"Lawyer up. Sue me. Get me cancelled."

Ward is also reportedly considering taking legal action against the former Marseille player.

Aluko added: “If you come out and are racist, or sexist or misogynistic and threaten people online, there are laws for that and that govern that behaviour. It’s not free. It’s not freedom of consequences, either. There are consequences for that. And over the past week I’ve taken advice from lawyers and a course of action has now been decided upon.”

It remains to be seen what will happen to Barton over his comments, with UK Sports Minister Stuart Andrew saying the 41-year-old's comments were "dangerous" and was looking into ways the government could take action. Ward and Aluko may take some time away from commentary before returning to their roles.