The only playing professional footballer who had the guts to be interviewed on t.v. for the programme about gay footballers -- he was honest and supportive. And for that was pilloried in the press. And I agree with his comments re. Gazza.
I agree with alot of Joey Barton's views on football, I think he took the role of joker a few steps too far...
I agree, he thinks about things in a way which put many others in game to shame and is far from the violent thug he is portrayed as. The media love him and are intent on picking up on anything out of line he might come out with on twitter to build up a persona around him and generate interest, in the same way they do with Balotelli or any other strong character who will sell papers. I might be wrong but I really believe he's worked hard to rid himself of his demons and gain a matured perspective on life, hence his disappointment that Gascoigne seems to recede again and again despite the help people have given him.
Being a violent thug and having some sensible views aren't mutually exclusive. I think he's a violent wnaker but he does occasionally talk sense.
Barton is a bit of an enigma. Borderline sociopath come wannabe wizened sage. He's a product of his environment and I admire anyone for trying to trying to change themselves, but Joey's got a ****-load of ground to make up on that score. And that's one footballer from who I would run for cover once their playing days are over. He reminds me a bit of Caravaggio, only not as talented obviously.
Good point, I suppose even Mr Peace himself, John Lennon, was a wife beater in younger life. It's just a shame some don't see Joey as anything other than an antagonist, when a lot of what he says is worth listening to.
I used to follow him on twitter and could sort of tolerate some of his crusades, but the other week he had a real dig at footballers who make religious gestures either when entering the pitch or before taking a penalty. Now I'm not religious at all, but who is he to knock other people and their beliefs?
