Former Premier League footballer Joey Barton has been charged with two counts of malicious communications.
Cheshire Police confirmed on Tuesday that Barton, 41, has been summoned to court to face the charges.
Barton, who lives in Widnes, is due to appear in front of magistrates at a later date.
"Following an investigation by Cheshire Police, the Crown Prosecution Service has authorised for Joseph Barton to be charged with two counts of malicious communications," the force said.
"The charges relate to reports of alleged malicious communications online between Wednesday 3 January and Wednesday 20 March, involving two victims."
Barton, whose playing career included stints at Manchester City and QPR, has been out of work in the game since he was sacked as Bristol Rovers manager last year following a poor run of results.
(c) Sky News 2024: Joey Barton charged over alleged malicious communications
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