Joey Barton under fire over Lionesses Euro win comments

Joey Barton, former professional footballer and ex-manager of Bristol Rovers, has once again ignited controversy — this time over remarks perceived as belittling the achievements of England’s women’s national football team, the Lionesses. Following their recent triumph in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, Barton took to social media to question the significance of their win, triggering a widespread backlash from fans, pundits, and equality advocates.

In a now-viral post, he wrote:

“Well done to the Lioness winning the Nonsense Pottery Trophy. Those penalties were borderline embarrassing again. Don’t ever ask for equal pay again. Youse are miles off it.”

The comment, widely condemned as sexist and dismissive, sparked a furious response online, with many accusing him of undermining the strides women’s football has made in the UK and globally.

A History of Controversy

Barton is no stranger to provocative statements. Over the years, he has cultivated a reputation for making inflammatory remarks on social and political issues, often courting the media spotlight. But critics argue that this time, he crossed a line by diminishing the achievements of female athletes on the international stage. The Lionesses, having won the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 by defeating Germany in a gripping final, were celebrated as national heroes. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, celebrities, and former football legends joined in lauding their success.

But Barton’s comments stood in sharp contrast. Rather than joining in the celebration, he questioned the legitimacy of the tournament, branding it irrelevant compared to men’s football — a claim that has since been debunked by numerous sports commentators citing record-breaking viewership, attendance, and commercial sponsorship around the women’s game.

Well done to the Lioness winning the Nonsense Pottery Trophy.

Those penalties were borderline embarrassing again.

Don’t ever ask for equal pay again.

Youse are miles off it.

🐕💨

— Joey Barton (@Joey7Barton) July 27, 2025

Response from the Football Community

The football community reacted swiftly. England captain Leah Williamson called Barton’s remarks “patronizing and outdated,” emphasizing that the growth and recognition of women’s football cannot be reversed by online “trolls or washed-up pundits.” Former Manchester United player Gary Neville tweeted: “Time to evolve. Women’s football is not the future — it’s the now.”

The Football Association (FA) also issued a statement in support of the Lionesses, reaffirming its commitment to gender equality and inclusiveness in sport. “We stand firmly behind our players and their achievements. The Lionesses continue to inspire millions, and no amount of cynicism can take that away.”

Public Backlash and Cultural Shift

Barton’s comments arrived at a time when the cultural tide in the UK is turning rapidly in favor of women’s sports. The Women’s Super League (WSL) has seen exponential growth in attendance and sponsorship, with clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United investing heavily in their women’s teams. Broadcasters like Sky Sports and BBC have struck multi-year deals to televise matches, indicating a commercial appetite and growing fan base.

Social media users flooded Barton’s profiles with rebuttals. One user wrote: “The 87,000 fans at Wembley didn’t think it was irrelevant.” Another added: “Your views are stuck in 1992. Women’s football has moved on. You should too.”

The Debate Around Legitimacy

While some have tried to defend Barton’s right to free speech, the larger debate underscores a lingering issue: the struggle for women’s sports to be viewed as equally legitimate. Barton’s comments, many argue, reflect a deeply ingrained sexism that continues to plague sports discourse. But others point out that his reaction may have the opposite effect — galvanizing more support for women’s football and pushing the public conversation forward.

Dr. Emma Richardson, a sociologist at the University of Birmingham, commented: “These outbursts show us just how threatening the rise of women’s sport is to traditional power structures in male-dominated domains. But they also show us that progress is real and that resistance often comes when change is most visible.”

Calls for Accountability

While Barton has yet to offer an apology or clarification, pressure is mounting. Advocacy groups have called for media platforms to refrain from giving oxygen to voices that undermine gender equality. There have also been growing demands for sports institutions to adopt stricter standards for how athletes and former players use their influence.

As for Barton, his legacy continues to be shaped as much by his statements as his time on the pitch. Once considered a promising football talent, he now seems to be remembered more for controversies than contributions.

Where Does Football Go from Here?

The Lionesses’ victory in the Euro 2025 isn’t just a moment of sporting glory — it’s a cultural milestone. As more girls across the UK take up the sport and aspire to be the next Alessia Russo or Lauren James, the importance of positive representation becomes even more vital. And while Barton’s remarks may have sparked anger, they’ve also reinforced why continuing the push for equality and respect in football — and sports at large — remains so critical.

In the words of former England striker Ian Wright: “If you still think women’s football doesn’t matter, you’re not paying attention. And if Joey Barton isn’t paying attention, that’s his loss.”