Joey Barton sparks row as he demands END to female voices on men's football - 'completely different game!'
Joey Barton sparked a row on social media with his comments
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Controversial ex-footballer and manger Joey Barton has found himself engulfed in a row after calling for an end of female commentators on the men's game.
The ex-Manchester City midfielder expressed his frustration on social media as he accused women of lacking the "authority" to speak about matches.
He said: "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."
Joey Barton has come under fire for his comments
PA
After facing backlash on social media, he doubled down on his views writing that men's football was on a "completely different planet" to the female sport.
"The Women’s game is absolutely thriving. Great to see. It’s a fantastic sport in its own right," he added.
"Really entertaining. Good to watch. Technically and tactically not that much difference.
"Physically. Complete different planet. Until you have experienced that. You cannot say what you would have done in said position at said time. No.
"It’s got a great England team (that wins stuff!) it’s got its own Premier League. It’s got its own Champions League.
"Please for the love of God, go and commentate on that! You can say what you want. You will be qualified to.
"You have actual experience of what is taking place."
Fans were critical of Barton's comments, with many accusing him of being "sexist" and sharing a picture of him posing with a 'Her Game Too' cardboard cut-out when he was managing Bristol Rovers.
Joey Barton achieved 15 goals in 150 caps for Manchester City.
He was most recently the manager for Bristol Rovers, however he was sacked in October.
More to follow...