Joey Barton has sparked fresh outrage after blasting the Lionesses just moments after their nail-biting penalty shootout victory over Spain in the Euros Final.
The outspoken ex-Premier League footballer took to social media following the historic win to call the competition the ‘Nonsense Pottery Trophy’, before slamming the standard of the match and warning England’s stars: ‘Don’t ever ask for equal pay again. Youse are miles off it.’
Barton’s post came after the Lionesses defeated World Cup winners Spain in a dramatic 3-1 penalty shootout, following a gruelling 120 minutes of play that ended 1-1 in Basel, Switzerland.
He then turned his ire toward Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who had posted a glowing tribute to the Lionesses on X, writing: ‘The @Lionesses have changed the game – breaking barriers, making history and inspiring the next generation.
‘Tonight, the whole nation will be behind them. Come on England!’
Barton, who appears to be relishing his role as provocateur-in-chief, fired back at the PM, bluntly telling him to ‘do one.’
England players celebrate with the trophy after winning the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025
Joey Barton has sparked fresh outrage after blasting the Lionesses just moments after their nail-biting penalty shootout victory over Spain in the Euros Final. Pictured in 2012
It is not the first time Barton has courted controversy when it comes to the women’s game.
Just last week, when the Lionesses were playing in the quarter-finals against Sweden, Barton took to social media to describe the penalty shootout that decided the match a ‘monstrosity’.
‘Is this a knockout game this monstrosity?’ the former Newcastle midfielder wrote on X.
Broadcaster Jeff Stelling was quick to reply, writing: ‘Bet you haven’t turned off though Joey?’
Barton later responded: ‘I did Jeff. That’s how bad it was. You can’t tell me that’s proper football. It’s pure cosplay nonsense… And YOU know it!’
England captain Leah Williamson was forced off early with an injury, and admitted that the whole shootout was ‘awful’ to watch from the sidelines.
He also claimed in 2023 that ‘women are not qualified’ to talk about men’s football, ‘they have no authority on the subject’ in a direct attack on female pundits.
‘I’m bothered about the female footballers who aren’t good enough players to comment on the males players because they don’t understand the game,’ he wrote on X.
‘They are taking men’s jobs that our good enough. They are taking their opportunities Taking food out of their families’ mouths. When those men have done the hard yards.’
Chloe Kelly and Michelle Agyemang of England celebrate with the UEFA Women’s EURO trophy while laying in ticker tape
Hannah Hampton of England saves the second penalty from Mariona Caldentey of Spain
The former midfielder, who played for Manchester City, Newcastle United, QPR, and Burnley during a career spanning nearly two decades, was known for his combative playing style and off-the-pitch antics
Barton’s social media spats are just the latest chapter in a career marked as much by controversy as by footballing talent.
The former midfielder, who played for Manchester City, Newcastle United, QPR, and Burnley during a career spanning nearly two decades, was known for his combative playing style and off-the-pitch antics.
Capped once for England in 2007, Barton’s career was often overshadowed by disciplinary issues – including a six-month jail sentence for assault in 2008 and numerous bans for violent conduct on the field.
He retired from playing in 2017 after a short spell with Rangers and a ban for betting breaches.
He later moved into management, most notably at Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers, but found himself in hot water again over allegations of assault, which he denied.
After short-lived managerial stints, Barton has rebranded himself as a no-holds-barred commentator on social media, frequently clashing with fans and public figures alike.
