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The sports minister Stuart Andrew has condemned “dangerous” comments made by Joey Barton about female football commentators and pundits and says he will take the issue up with social media platforms.
Barton has made several harmful remarks on the internet in the past few weeks. The ex-Manchester City player referred to ITV analysts Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward as the “Fred and Rose West of football commentary” on X (previously known as Twitter), after the network’s broadcast of Crystal Palace’s FA Cup match against Everton last Thursday.
ITV retaliated by labeling Barton’s statements as “spiteful”.
Julie Elliott, a member of the Labour MP and Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee, asked Andrew if he would condemn the comments. He replied affirmatively, stating “Yes I would.”
These comments create an opportunity for abuse and that is not okay.
I am cautious in these circumstances because I fear that these types of individuals desire attention and I do not want to contribute to that.
I would like to express my gratitude for the incredible impact that women and girls have on football and sports in general.
Elliott inquired about intervening and addressing this matter with social media platforms like X and Meta. Andrew responded, “I am willing to do so.”
Source: independent.co.uk
