Barton aims fresh dig at Alex Scott as he claims Football Focus will be scrapped
Joey Barton claims “wokeness killed” Football Focus amid suggestions that the popular BBC programme is set to be cancelled.
The retired midfielder has launched into a series of bizarre rants recently on social media. He has taken a baffling aim at the growing influence of women in football - specifically pundits and commentators.
His latest target appears to be Alex Scott - the host of Football Focus since replacing Dan Walker since May 2021 - with Barton claiming the programme is likely going to be the next to be cancelled after A Question of Sport was scrapped by the BBC.
Taking to Twitter, former host Walker said: “Really sad to read the news about Question of Sport. One of THE iconic shows. I used to dress up as David Coleman as a kid and pretend to host it and always loved Sue on it too. There is definitely still a winning format in there somewhere.”
Barton could not resist replying. The former Man City and Newcastle midfielder said: “‘Wokeness’ Killed it. Poor quality guests. Standards dropped. So sad to watch it slowly deteriorate.
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“It was essential viewing as a kid who loved sports. Just like Soccer AM. I’m hearing they’re about to do for Football Focus next? @AlexScott? Hopefully not. Definitely, someone can make it work online. Won’t be long.”
The exchange between the pair continued as Walker called out Barton for his comments. Quoting his tweet, he said: “Hi Joey Hope you’re ok. One of my Christmas wishes is that people with a big platform on here wouldn’t use it to drag others down.
Alex Scott is the current host of the BBC's Football Focus (Getty Images)Should Football Focus be kept on TV? Share your thoughts in the comments below
“Alex WAS a great pro and IS a top television presenter - and a lovely person. Women who love football already have too many hurdles to climb over and too many doors slammed in their face. You have a big voice… use it to encourage.”
Barton’s bizarre rant continued on Saturday as he chose to tune into the exact programme that he was criticising. He added: “36 minutes. Football Focus turned off. Sorry, Its just terrible. Drivel and nonsense served with a side of boring. No wonder it’s getting canned. Well done to all involved. Another flagship destroyed by The Tokens.”
Barton’s exchange with Walker follows a similar incident involving Football Focus presenter Scott. The latter staged a short monologue at the end of the Women's Super League clash between Arsenal and Chelsea last weekend.
The ex-midfielder replied with a bizarre tweet by stating that Scott was a “really bad player compared to even a Sunday League player” before he then offered her an invitation onto his podcast.
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