Ex-Manchester City and Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton has claimed in a misogynistic rant that “women shouldn’t be talking” about men’s football.
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Former England international causing controversyOut of work after leaving Bristol RoversAiring his opinions on social mediaWHAT HAPPENED?
The 41-year-old, who earned one cap for England in his playing days, is currently out of work after being sacked by League One side Bristol Rovers in October. He is now watching on from afar, with Premier League action taking centre stage again at present.
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Amazon Prime covered six top-flight fixtures on Wednesday, with female commentators and pundits figuring prominently. In a bizarre social media rant, Barton wrote: “Women shouldn't be talking with any kind of authority in the men's game. Come on. Let's be serious. It's a completely different game. If you don't accept that. We will always see things differently. The women's game is thriving. Fantastic to see. I cannot take a thing they say serious in the men's arena. #namaste”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Barton went on to say that: “Any man who sits and engages with them in this regard has sold out. The game is about levels. Most men's opinion has little value. Never mind anyone else… Any man who listens to Women commentary or co-comms needs their heads testing…#sticktoyourowngame.”
WHAT NEXT?
After being called out by a fan who suggested that he was “finished in football and he knows it”, Barton said: “Been in football since I've left school pal. I'll decide what I do in the game. It actually bores me. Full of sh*tbags. Maggots. Liars. People pleasers. Luckily, I've played at a level to earn enough to say and do what the f*ck I want.”