Former Manchester City and OM midfielder Joey Barton said in a misogynistic speech that “women shouldn’t talk” about men’s football.
The 41-year-old former England international, who was capped once for the England team, is currently unemployed after being dismissed by League One club Bristol Rovers in October. He is now observing the situation from afar, with the Premier League taking center stage again.
Amazon Prime covered six Premier League matches on Wednesday, with women’s commentators and pundits at the forefront. In a bizarre social media rant, Barton wrote: “Women should not speak with any authority in men’s football. Come on, let’s be serious. Be serious. It’s a completely different game. If you don’t accept it, we will always see things differently. We will always see things differently. Women’s football is booming. It’s fantastic to see. I can’t take what they say seriously in the male arena. #namaste »
Barton went on to say that: “Any man who sits down and engages with them in this regard has sold himself. The game is a question of level. Most men’s opinions have little value. Men who listen to women’s comments or participate in discussions need to be tested… #sticticoyourowngame.”
After being challenged by a fan who suggested he was “finished in football and he knew it”, Barton said: I’ve been into football since I left school, mate. I will decide what I will do in football. In fact, it annoys me. It’s full of shitbags. Larvae. Liars. People who please. Luckily, I’ve been playing at a level that allows me to earn enough to say and do what I want. »
