ITV has lashed out at former footballer Joey Barton after he likened two female commentators to serial killers.
The former Manchester City and Newcastle star has been slammed in recent weeks for launching sexist tirades against female pundits – who he claims “aren’t qualified” to talk about men’s football.
This morning Barton, 41, took aim at pundits Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward, who he called “the Fred and Rose West of football”
Fred and Rose West were two of Britain’s worst serial killers.
The pair abducted, tortured, raped and murdered numerous young women over 20 years.
Speaking about Aluko, Barton tweeted: “How is she even talking about Men’s football. She can’t even kick a ball properly.
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“Your coverage of the game EFC last night, took it to a new low.
“Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward, the Fred and Rose West of football commentary.”
Barton has already been called out on social media by the likes of Laura Woods, Bianca Westwood and Piers Morgan as well as thousands of fans.
And today ITV Sport hit back at the ex-pro.
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A spokesperson said: “For Joey Barton, an ex-professional player with a significant social media presence, to target two of our pundits, Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward, with such vindictive remarks based on gender and to invole the names of serial killers in doing so is clearly contemptible and shameful on his part.
“Football is for everyone.”
It comes after Alex Scott was hailed as “total class” when she hit back at his sexist comments.
Scott, 39 – who had said she “doesn’t want to give Joey Barton oxygen” – has now taken aim with a passionate message on live TV.
The former Lioness and Arsenal star said during the BBC‘s coverage of the WSL on Sunday: “To all of the women in football,
“In front of the camera and behind it, to the players and everyone that attends games.
“Keep being the role models that you continue to be to all those young girls that are told no you can’t.
“Football is a better place with us all in it.”
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Barton is one of football’s most controversial characters, and served time in prison in 2008 for assault.
His views also saw him appear on Piers Morga Uncensored.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
