Last updated at 2:00 AM on 5th February 2012
Premier League footballer Joey Barton is being investigated by the Attorney General over tweets about the John Terry racism case.
The Queens Park Rangers captain gave a robust view of the incident that led to Terry being accused of using racist language against Barton's team-mate Anton Ferdinand last October.
On Friday, the Football Association stripped Terry – who vehemently denies the charge – of the England captain's armband because his trial will not take place until after this summer's European Championship finals.
Outspoken: Joey Barton is renowned for his robust comments
Barton used Twitter to claim that while he does not believe Chelsea captain Terry is a racist, he should have admitted his error and taken any punishment on the chin long ago.
He made very strong remarks about Terry's behaviour and the case – which he has since deleted.
Attorney General Dominic Grieve has the power to bring a criminal prosecution for contempt of court against Barton if he considers the comments would prejudice a fair trial.
If found guilty, an offender faces a maximum of two years in prison.
The tweets were brought to Mr Grieve's attention by a BBC journalist last night.
A spokesman for the Attorney General said: 'If somebody brings something to our attention we look at it.
'There will now be a process but it must be remembered that each case is decided on its own facts.'
No contempt proceedings have ever been brought against a tweeter.
Last year the Attorney General decided to take no action against a blogger who made prejudicial tweets during the trial of Vincent Tabak, 33, who was jailed at Bristol Crown Court for strangling his neighbour Joanna Yeates.
But Mr Grieve is still considering whether to take further action against Guardian sports reporter Jamie Jackson, who tweeted the name of a juror during the tax- evasion trial involving Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp.
Controversial: Barton is as well known for his off pitch antics as his footballing performances
In the latest case Barton, who has more than a million followers on the social networking site and is renowned for his outspoken comments, questioned Terry's forthcoming defence.
Barton was on the pitch during the verbal exchange between Terry and Ferdinand, brother of established England defender Rio.
Barton could be called as a witness at the trial which is scheduled to start on July 9 and will be heard by magistrates.
It is expected to last up to five days, with players from both Chelsea and QPR among the potential witnesses.
Last night a senior legal source said that Barton's tweets would be less likely to risk serious prejudice of the trial because it will be heard without a jury.
Last year Mr Grieve said he accepted the danger posed to the administration of justice by many bloggers was minimal, but bloggers should not underestimate the potential for a blog or tweet to go viral.
Source : dailymail
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