Former England and Arsenal star Alex Scott has responded to Joey Barton’s controversial comments on women working in football with a sharp message on BBC. Barton, who is currently the manager of Bristol Rovers, had criticised Scott and other female pundits for commenting on the men’s game, saying he did not think it was the same experience.
Scott defends her credentials and achievements
Scott, who has earned 140 caps for the Lionesses and won six league titles and seven FA Cups with Arsenal, has become one of the most respected and popular broadcasters in the country. She is the host of Football Focus and Match of the Day Live, as well as a regular pundit and commentator for BBC, Sky Sports, and CBS Sports.
Scott did not let Barton’s sexist remarks go unnoticed, and delivered a powerful reply on BBC Two during the coverage of Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Manchester City in the Women’s Super League. Scott also pointed out the hypocrisy of Barton, who had previously praised her work on social media.
Barton’s comments, which he made in response to a sexist tweet from a fan, have sparked a lot of outrage and condemnation from the football community and beyond.
- Women in Football, a campaign group for change in attitudes to women working in football, said: “There is more than one reason why Kevin Keegan is seen as an icon of the 1970s”.
- Bianca Westwood, a Sky Sports reporter and presenter, said: “Joey Barton is entitled to his opinion but he’s wrong. Women have every right to comment on the men’s game as much as men do on the women’s game. Alex Scott is one of the best pundits around, male or female, and she’s proved that time and time again.”
- Gary Lineker, a former England striker and the host of Match of the Day, said: “Alex Scott is a terrific broadcaster, who knows the game inside out. She’s also a lovely person, who is a joy to work with. Joey Barton should listen to her more, he might learn something.”
- Eni Aluko, a former England and Chelsea forward and a pundit for Amazon Prime and ITV, said: “Joey Barton’s comments are not only sexist, but also ignorant and inaccurate. Women have played and watched football for decades, and have a lot of insight and knowledge to offer. I’ve played against some of the best players in the world, and I’ve studied the game at the highest level. I don’t need anyone to tell me what I can or can’t say about football.”
Scott continues to shine and inspire on and off the pitch
Despite Barton’s attempt to undermine her, Scott has shown that she is not fazed by his words, and has continued to excel in her role as a broadcaster and a role model. She has received a lot of support and admiration from her colleagues, fans, and celebrities, including pop star Jess Glynne, who recently confirmed their romance.
Scott has also been involved in various initiatives and campaigns to promote diversity, inclusion, and mental health in football and society. She is an ambassador for the Football Association’s Heads Up campaign, which aims to raise awareness and encourage conversation about mental health. She is also a patron of The Willow Foundation, a charity that provides special days for seriously ill young adults.
Scott has also spoken openly about her own struggles and challenges, such as racism, sexism, and online abuse, and how she has overcome them with resilience and positivity.
