Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward have reportedly sought legal advice over the abuse they've received from Joey Barton on social media.
Barton was sacked as manager of Bristol Rovers in October and has since embarked on several controversial rants on social media.
He's waged a personal vendetta against female pundits who cover the men's game with the likes of Alex Scott, Aluko and Ward all being attacked on X, formerly Twitter, by the former footballer.
Barton caused even more outrage earlier this month when he compared Aluko and Ward to Fred and Rose West.
Eni Aluko has sought legal advice
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He wrote on X during Crystal Palace's FA Cup tie against Everton, where Aluko and Ward were working on the game?
"How is she even talking about Men's football. She can't even kick a ball properly. Your coverage of the game EFC last night, took it to a new low. Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward, the Fred and Rose West of football commentary."
ITV condemned Barton's comments while UK sports minister, Stuart Andrew, threatened action against the 41-year-old.
And now the Telegraph claim both Aluko and Ward 'have sought legal advice' over Barton's attack.
Barton responded to ITV's statement denouncing his initial remarks by doubling down and likening Aluko to communist dictators Pol Pot and Joseph Stalin.
He added: "On reflection, I feel I’ve been a tad harsh on Eni Aluko by comparing her to Rose West.
"She’s clearly in the Joseph Stalin/Pol Pot category. She’s murdered hundreds of thousands of football fans ears in the last few years. Meritocracy Rules!"
Gary Neville was among dozens to join in the condemnation of Barton's venomous barbs in a heartfelt post last week.
Joey Barton was sacked as Bristol Rovers manager in October
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He wrote on X: "Well done ITV. It’s gone too far this and mentioning serial killers is quite simply incredible.
"My daughters have watched Salford City with me for 10 years and like to comment on football, my mum was kicked out of the football team (boys in the 1960’s) and stopped playing due to mysogyny, my sister struggled for funding for her sport for years and my brother was mocked when he took over the England women’s team.
"I come from a family that has fought these issues for years and I’ve witnessed it first hand.
Lucy Ward has also fallen victim of Joey Barton's attacks
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"All this does is just discourage and it’s not the way forward. It’s bloody hard work for women to succeed in sport and media as it is without this stuff.
"But Barton then took aim at the Manchester United icon for chiming in with a threat to the former England international.
He said: "Gary, please keep your head down or you will get emptied as well. I know they pay your wages and I don’t want to have to put you away."
