When it comes to English football, drama is never too far behind, but if there’s one name that guarantees fireworks, it’s Joey Barton. The ex-midfielder turned internet provocateur has always enjoyed playing the villain. But recently, even his most loyal fans are wondering if he’s taken things way too far. His latest antics surrounding the Lionesses’ Euro 2025 triumph left the internet reeling, and not in a good way (1).
1. 🚨 Barton’s “Vile” Post Minutes After England’s Historic Win
England’s women pulled off a legendary Euro 2025 win, defeating Germany 2-1 in a heart-stopping final that had the nation on its feet. Most of the country basked in national pride and glory… but not Joey Barton.
Just minutes after the final whistle, Barton posted a controversial tweet that fans slammed as “vile,” “disgraceful,” and straight-up “pathetic” (1). Social media erupted. The timing couldn’t have been worse: this was a historic moment, and instead of celebrating, Barton decided to throw shade.
Many users clapped back with fierce replies, saying Barton “should be ashamed” and even questioning whether he had any respect for the sport. The backlash was swift and brutal.
Why it hit so hard: Women’s football is having a global moment, and Barton’s sarcastic tone was seen as not just poor timing but a deliberate jab at a rising movement.
“He always wants to be controversial, but this time he picked the wrong battle,” said one fan in a trending comment.
2. The “30 More Minutes” Watch-Along Meltdown
If that tweet wasn’t enough, Barton managed to dig himself deeper during England’s semi-final match against Italy. Hosting a live watch-along, Barton threw in what many felt was a passive-aggressive jab: “30 more minutes of this,” followed by a facepalm emoji (2).
Football fans, particularly supporters of the Lionesses, didn’t hold back. “Disrespectful,” “sexist,” and “clueless” were just a few words thrown his way. A viral response even told Barton to “just accept it for what it is,” highlighting the growing divide between old-school cynics and the new wave of inclusive football supporters (2).
The deeper problem: This wasn’t just about a snarky emoji. Critics felt Barton was undermining the quality and legitimacy of women’s football on a platform where his words hold influence.
Barton, of course, didn’t back down, fanning the flames by replying to several critics with equally condescending remarks.
3. Barton vs. The Internet: When Provocation Becomes a Liability
Joey Barton is no stranger to controversy. From locker room bust-ups to Twitter spats, he’s built a personal brand around being the anti-hero of English football. But in 2025, that strategy may be backfiring.
The digital backlash to his Euro 2025 takes wasn’t just loud, it was widespread. From Reddit threads to TikTok takedowns, fans across platforms joined in a digital roast session that trended for hours (3).
Unlike in the past, where Barton’s “tell it like it is” persona gave him cult status among certain fans, this time even his usual supporters seemed fed up.
Why the tide is turning:
- The public mood around women’s sports has changed, positively.
- Fans are more vocal and organized online than ever before.
- Barton’s tone felt outdated and tone-deaf.
Football influencers, ex-players, and even a few current pros subtly shaded him without naming names, making it clear that the culture has shifted. Being edgy isn’t enough, you’ve got to read the room.
Is This the End of the Barton Persona?
Not quite. Barton thrives on chaos, and the attention he’s getting, good or bad, only fuels his digital fire. But what’s clear is that fans are no longer laughing with him—they’re laughing at him. And that shift is massive.
While some still defend his right to speak freely, the overwhelming sentiment online is that Joey Barton has officially crossed from “cheeky rebel” to “football’s most out-of-touch troll.”
Final Thoughts: Football, Fans, and the Future
Joey Barton’s recent run-ins with football fans say a lot more than just “Barton’s being Barton.” They reflect how quickly the cultural temperature of sport is changing. Fans now hold the power of the narrative—and they’re not afraid to use it.
Women’s football is thriving, and attempts to belittle it don’t just fall flat, they backfire spectacularly. Barton may still see himself as a maverick, but in 2025, the maverick act is looking more like a museum piece.
🔍 Reference List
- SPORTbible. Joey Barton slammed by England fans for disgraceful post minutes after Lionesses win Euro 2025 [Internet]. Updated 28 Jul 2025; published 28 Jul 2025 [cited 2025 Jul 28]. Available from: https://www.sportbible.com/football/england/joey-barton-lionesses-win-euro-2025-560393-20250728
- SPORTbible. Joey Barton slammed for controversial post as England Lionesses play Italy in Women’s Euros [Internet]. Published 23 Jul 2025 [cited 2025 Jul 28]. Available from: https://www.sportbible.com/football/women%27s-football/joey-barton-womens-euros-england-italy-504680-20250723
- SPORTbible. Barton has been slammed for his vile post [Internet]. Published July 2025 [cited 2025 Jul 28]. Available from: https://www.sportbible.com/football/joey-barton-vile-post-lionesses-20250728
