Simon Csoka KC, defending, said: “Are you genuinely raising concern about Mr Barton having a head injury or are you taking the mick?”
Mr Vine responded: “I’m raising it by giving it that level of insight, which is kind of the thing on social media.”
The court also heard Mr Vine was made to “feel physically unsafe” after he claimed Mr Barton had posted a picture of his address online.
He said: “I genuinely believe what Barton did made me physically unsafe. I took some advice about my security. I varied my movements. I didn’t want to communicate the dangers [to my daughters].
“Because of this cloud of filth Barton had released I had to explain to them. I can only summarise by saying I believe these messages put me in physical danger.”
Mr Barton, from Widnes, Cheshire, denies the alleged offences said to have been committed between January and March last year.
As well as Manchester City, Mr Barton also played for Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers, Burnley and Marseilles before he moved into management after his retirement.
He was sacked from his most recent role of manager at Bristol Rovers in October 2023 after almost three years in charge.
The trial continues.
