Joey Barton has received backlash and been labelled a “bully” for criticising 17-year-old Partick Thistle goalie Ava Easdon online in a “awful” manner.
Upon posting a video of the teenager’s goal against Rangers on X, the former Twitter platform, the manager of Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers made fun of the adolescent.
Reposting the video, Barton commented, “Let’s just talk about the goalie, okay? What is this absurdity on the box?
Seven-time world kickboxing champion Lex Easdon, Easdon’s father, has accused Barton of attempting to “belittle and bully” his daughter. Pedro Martinez Losa, the head coach of the Scotland women’s national team, is one of many who has backed Easdon.
Nicola Docherty, a player for Rangers and Scotland, expressed her disappointment over Barton’s remarks on her X account, writing: “Couldn’t help but notice the tweets from an older man criticising this amazing young custodian who comes from an inspiring background. Continue with what you are doing! It is easy to change the station if you are not interested in women’s football.
In contrast to other men who commit the same error repeatedly and receive compensation in the hundreds of thousands of pounds, Easdon’s father Lex stated: “In 2024 and ‘grown’ men feel the need to belittle and bully a 17-year-old school kid, who doesn’t get paid to play.”
“She’s a young player who is competing excellently this season for her club,” stated Losa, a Spaniard. We need to provide a secure space where players like her may play and make errors if we want them to progress and play for the national team.
“I would like to offer my encouragement to a player who is performing above average. She is really courageous to go to the final. Furthermore, she is playing quite well.
Erin Cuthbert, a midfielder for Chelsea and Scotland, also rushed to support her fellow countrywoman. Ahead of the London club’s Women’s Champions League quarterfinal matchup with Ajax, the statement read: “Ava is a fantastic young custodian who comes through the ranks of Scotland.” You are not defined by one mistake. Football is a game where mistakes are inevitable.
Speaking on the BBC’s Behind The Goals Podcast, Scotland captain and Aston Villa defender Rachel Corsie called social media criticism of Easdon “bullying” and said, “We see that a lot now.” She did not particularly mention Barton, though. Even more concerning is the perception that it’s acceptable to act in this way against younger players.
“It is not acceptable in sports. It is unacceptable to harass and intimidate others. It’s not justified and it’s awful.
“There’s a difference between having an opinion on something and how you choose to use words and speak about people. There’s also a difference between criticising in the game.”
“Yep, there’s me ‘Bullying’ a 17-year-old woman by posting a clip of her playing football,” Barton wrote in response to the charge of bullying on social media.
These people’s victimisation is so pitiful. You’re watching Telelove. You’re not sure where your objective is. You essentially give someone a free shot. You and your father are presently in court, quarrelling. acting like a victim because you were rotten. Perhaps put in some effort to find the net you are seeking and leave the formalities to the guys. nonsense Football on television.”
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