Joey Barton's new FURIOUS rant at Laura Woods and Alex Scott as he launches tirade at 'screaming' female football pundits
Joe Barton with insets of Alex Scott and Laura Woods
PA
Controversial ex-footballer Joey Barton renewed his criticism of female athletes commentating on the men's game today, blasting those who disagree with him for not engaging in debate.
The former Manchester City player, who is out of work after leaving as Bristol Rovers' manager last month, sparked an outcry on social media yesterday when he claimed men's and women's football were "on another planet".
He said females should stick to being pundits for the women's game.
After sports journalists Laura Woods and Bianca Westwood criticised his comments on social media, Barton demanded his views be debated properly.
WATCH NOW: Patrick Christys discusses football badges being cancelled
He said: "You can come and debate. Just make sure you’re ready.
"I’ll take your silence as a sign you know it’s not for you. Screaming from the rooftops yesterday.
"Tumbleweeds blowing across the vast expanse today."
Barton later challenged male players and ex-players to have a two hour debate.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Joey Barton has come under fire for his commentsPAThe 41-year-old, who received one cap for England, added: "Anywhere, anytime and any place."
Woods, a longstanding broadcaster and Arsenal fan, was among those to slam Barton on social media.
The TNT Sports presenter said: "Usually avoid these conversations as I don’t like adding more oxygen.
"But throwing young vloggers to the wolves is wrong.
"I started my career vlogging and I’ve always got on with Joey. He also sent me a lovely good luck message for TNT in June. Does that make him a eunuch too?
Laura Woods, TNT Sports presenter, reacts prior to the UEFA Champions League Group G match
GETTY
"Joey’s entitled to his opinion. If he feels that strongly about women in the men’s game he could ask for a private conversation with the broadcasters & state his case.
"These tweets only encourage a pile on for the women getting on with their jobs. Or was that the intention?"
Sky Sports presenter Simon Thomas simply responded to Barton's remarks by posting two face-palm emojis
Barton's comments come after Liverpool legend Kevin Keegan said: “I don’t like to listen to ladies talking about the England men’s team at the match because I don’t think it’s the same experience. I have a problem with that.”