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Joey Barton has responded to Alex Scott’s defence of female pundits in the men’s game by insisting that she doesn’t ‘have a clue’ and taking aim at her playing career.
Speaking during the BBC’s coverage of the Women’s Super League fixture between Arsenal and Chelsea on Sunday, Scott told women that ‘football is a better place with us all in it’, seemingly hitting back at numerous sexist digs made by Barton.
Barton, formerly of Newcastle and QPR, claimed that women shouldn’t be able to ‘comment on men’s football because they haven’t played it’.
The remarks, which caused widespread uproar on social media, were followed by individual criticism targeting both Scott and TNT Sports presenter Laura Woods.
England and Arsenal Women’s legend Scott, however, took the opportunity to deliver a touching closing speech and urged women to continue acting as role models.
‘Just before we say goodbye, to all the women in football, in front of the camera, behind it, the players on the pitch, to everyone that attends games, keep being the role models that you continue to be,’ she said.
‘To all those young girls that are told no you can’t, football is a better place with us all in it.’
Barton responded on X, formerly Twitter, by making a personal jibe at Scott’s ability with a comparison to Sunday League. He went on to offer to debate the presenter.
He tweeted: ‘connntinnuuuuuuuhhhhhtuuuu [sic] what, sorry @AlexScott. I can’t say you don’t know men’s football? You don’t. Sorry. You don’t have a clue. And you were a really bad player compared to even a Sunday League player.
‘In my opinion, the winner of the FA National Sunday Cup this year would easily beat in a cup final, at Wembley for charity, the winner of the @BarclaysWSL @SkySportsWSL from this season. Or England Women @Lionesses.
‘I’ll happily have Alex on my podcast. I think I know more about football than her. I think I was a better player but I would like to see [or] hear her perspective.’
Barton, 41, then appeared to backtrack on his scathing comments by sharing a screenshot of a direct message he had personally sent to Scott.
‘Come on! I don’t want to have a row,’ the message read.
The tweet was accompanied with the caption: ‘If offer stands. Hate to tell you all the truth. Am I wrong? Let’s debate it. No edit. Long as you want.
‘She followed me first. I’ve just followed back. I like Alex. I think she’s a great role model. A brilliant player in the women’s game.
‘The men’s game is different. Debate me. Let’s discuss. I’m a bad guy. I get it. But I want to do good. Have a great Christmas.’
Barton was sacked as Bristol Rovers manager in October.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
