Former England striker Eni Aluko has won the first stage of a High Court libel claim against ex-footballer Joey Barton.
A judge ruled that Barton's social media posts about her were defamatory.
The 38-year-old broadcaster was targeted by Barton on X in January 2024.
High Court judge Mr Justice Lavender determined that while Barton's comments were mainly statements of opinion, they were defamatory by meaning or innuendo.
Former England striker Eni Aluko has won the first stage of a High Court libel claim against ex-footballer Joey Barton
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Aluko, who scored 33 international goals in 102 appearances before retiring in 2020, has since built a career in broadcasting.
Barton's posts referred to comments Aluko made in 2020 criticising people on the government's furlough scheme, for which she later apologised.
In his social media comments, Barton suggested Aluko's late father had been financially corrupt.
He also claimed her private education made her a "hypocrite".
Additionally, Barton accused the former Lioness of "playing the race card".
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Eni Aluko believes there's a 'double standard' in broadcasting due to her race
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These posts were made twice on X in January 2024, leading to Aluko's legal action.
Following the ruling, Aluko told BBC News: "I can't feel anxious every time I get on TV that my race and my gender are going to be attacked."
She expressed hope that the judgement would make people reconsider their online behaviour.
"Things need to change," Aluko stated.
She added she was "past the point of asking nicely for people to understand the importance of language and how to treat women".
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The broadcaster emphasised that while she supports free speech, "it can't be weaponised and used as a route to hate speech".
Aluko highlighted the challenges she faces as a black woman in broadcasting.
"There's a double standard held for me, sometimes a triple standard held for me as a black woman, if I say anything," she said.
"This is bigger than me. This was just not something I could accept and actually it's part of a wider culture towards women in broadcasting.
"The only way to change is to hold people accountable."
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Aluko revealed she had faced threats of violence following Barton's posts.
She also says she suffered abuse on social media after his comments.
The ITV and BT Sport regular hopes the judge's finding will encourage others to speak out about online abuse.
"I love what I do. I love broadcasting. I love talking about football," she said.
Aluko added: "I love being an example for other young black girls and women of colour that you can do it and can break into spaces that ordinarily have not always been taken up."
Barton, 42, has not yet responded to the ruling and could appeal against the decision.
Joey Barton could appeal after losing the first part of a libel case against Eni Aluko
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He may also choose to defend his statements if the case proceeds to trial.
In a separate legal matter, Barton is facing criminal charges.
He has pleaded not guilty to allegedly posting offensive comments on social media about Aluko.
The criminal case also involves allegations regarding comments about broadcasters Lucy Ward and Jeremy Vine.
The outcome of both the libel claim and criminal case remains to be determined.
