22 January 2024 , 22:37
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Blackburn Rovers have told Joey Barton to not bring their town's name into his latest "public meltdown" on social media.
Barton has been ranting on X - formerly Twitter - about various topics since being sacked by Bristol Rovers three months ago. The 41-year-old has focused much of his energy on questioning the involvement of women in men's football with a series of misogynistic posts.
Barton, who won one cap for England during his playing career, has been heavily criticised for his recent social media activity. He appeared to start a new crusade on Monday by reposting a video of people walking through Blackburn in 1905.
The former Manchester City and Newcastle midfielder urged his 2.8million followers on X not to "forget our past as we look to improve our future". Yet Championship side Blackburn weren't impressed by Barton using their town to stay relevant.
Blackburn's official X account replied: "Hi Joey, if you could have your public meltdown without bringing our town into it, that'd be great. Thanks."
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Barton responded to Blackburn's reply by posting a picture of himself holding a Player of the Match trophy after Burnley's 1-0 home win against Rovers in March 2016 - when both teams were in the Championship. Burnley are Blackburn's bitter rivals.
"Can't help but smile when I think of you all," added Barton in his response. The controversial ex-footballer played 46 times for Burnley across two spells, helping them win the Championship title in May 2016. He was named their Player of the Year that season.
Barton then took another shot at Blackburn. He wrote: "One win in 10 (games) in the Championship. 17th position (laughing emojis). I'd keep your nut down if I was you pal."
Barton played for Blackburn's bitter rivals Burnley (PA)What's your thoughts on Joey Barton's social media activity? Let us know in the comments below!
Barton hit the headlines at the start of this year by publishing a series of sexist posts on social media, some of which were aimed at pundit Eni Aluko. The former Lionesses star fled the country in fear of her safety after Barton described her and fellow broadcaster Lucy Ward as "the Fred and Rose West of football commentary".
ITV, who work with Aluko and Ward, criticised Barton's "vindictive remarks" and labelled them as "clearly contemptible and shameful". Aluko said in an Instagram video: "I’ve genuinely been scared this week. I didn’t leave my house until Friday and I’m now abroad.
"Because it’s really important to say that online abuse has a direct impact on your safety and how you feel and how safe you feel in real life. I’ve felt under threat this week. I’ve felt like something is going to happen to me."
Barton's increased social media activity has coincided with the launch of his podcast, 'Common Sense with Joey Barton'. The podcast's YouTube page has just over 1,000 subscribers.