06 February 2024 , 10:40
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Mary Earps has claimed misogyny in football is a society-wide issue amid an ongoing row with Joey Barton.
The former Manchester City midfielder has launched into a series of baffling rants over recent months on social media. Barton has shared a number of sexist viewpoints about women footballers and those working in the media.
Meanwhile, he has also taken aim at Earps after she was deservedly named the 2023 BBC Sports Personality of the Year. The 30-year-old has now responded to the criticism, with Chelsea boss Emma Hayes also calling out Barton’s comments.
Speaking with Women’s Health, Earps said it is “hard to give a calm response” when asked about misogyny within football, but claimed that an “aggressive response” may not help the current cause.
“Sport is a vehicle for change, but it’s also a representation of society,” Earps said. “The [sexist] comments on that [video of Emma, speaking at a press conference] are really telling. This isn’t just what one person thinks, this is what people across the country think – probably in the world. And that’s the biggest disappointment to me.
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“That’s the irony of the whole situation. And I think anyone who’s a woman knows that; it’s not just football. I don’t think there are many women in the world that will have not experienced sexism and misogyny of some kind.”
Earps’ comments come after being on the end of Barton’s criticism. After she was named the Sports Personality of the Year, he initially posted: "Well done Mary."
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However, he then performed a bizarre u-turn by slamming the decision. The former Bristol Rovers manager said: "Sports Personality of the Year! More f****** nonsense. Well done to all involved."
He added: "So the best sports person this year is… A Women Goalie. Lost in a couple of finals this year. Not won a sausage. So popular that Nike didn't even sell a replica jersey before tournament. You telling me all those who jumped on that bandwagon, haven't voted in the BBC nonsense? Good luck to Mary. Hope she makes a few quid."
He then bizarrely claimed that he would be able to beat Earps in a penalty shootout. Speaking about the goalkeeper’s heroics in the Euro final vs Spain, he said: "That's a bad penalty and she's clearly off her line very early. No retake? SPOTY for that! Drop me out."
Barton then added: "I'd score 100 out of 100 penalties against Mary Earps. Any day of the week. Twice on a f****** Sunday."