Joey Barton's 'horrible' comments and 17-year-old goalkeeper's online abuse labeled 'bullying'

Partick Thistle goalkeeper Ava Easdon has been targeted online after conceding a goal against Rangers. Photo: Shutterstock/Colin Poultney

Joey Barton was branded a «bully» and condemned for his «horrible» online criticism of 17-year-old Partick Thistle goalkeeper Ava Easdon.

Former Fleetwood manager Town and Bristol Rovers mocked the teenager on Channel X, formerly known as Twitter shared footage of the teenager's goal against Rangers.

Barton reposted the video and wrote: «I mean , let's just talk about the goalkeeper! How is that nonsense on the box?

Easdon's father, seven-time world kickboxing champion Lex Easdon, accused Barton of trying to «humiliate and intimidate» his daughter, and Scotland women's head coach Pedro Martinez Losa was among those who supported Isdon.

Scotland and Rangers international Nicola Docherty also lamented Barton's comments, writing on her X account: “Couldn't help but notice the older man's tweets about this great young goalkeeper who is inspiring the next generation. Keep doing what you're doing! If women's football is not for you, change the channel, it's not difficult.»

Easdon's father Lex said: «In 2024, 'grown' men feel the need to humiliate and bully a 17 year old schoolboy who isn't getting paid to play, unlike some men who make the same mistake week after week and get paid hundreds of thousands Spaniard Losa said: “She is a young player who has been doing well for her club this season. If we want players like her to develop and play for the national team, we must create a safe environment in which they can play and make mistakes.

“I want to show my support for a player who is playing exceptionally well. She is very brave to compete in the final. And, by the way, she plays very well.”

Chelsea and Scotland midfielder Erin Cuthbert also came to the defense of her compatriot. Speaking ahead of London's Women's Champions League quarter-final against Ajax, she said: “Ava is a fantastic young goalkeeper who has come through the ranks in Scotland. One mistake will not define you. Mistakes happen, it's part of football.»

Scotland captain and Aston Villa defender Rachel Corsi, speaking on the BBC Behind The Goals podcast, did not name Barton specifically but said criticism of Easdon on social media was “bullying”, adding: “We see that a lot now. What's even more worrying is that people think it's okay to do this to young players.

“It's not acceptable in sport. Intimidation and harassment of people is unacceptable. This is terrible and unjustified.

«There is a difference between criticism in a game, there is a difference between opinions about things and how you choose to use your words and talk about people.»

Barton responded to the bullying accusation on social media: «Yes, I am 'bullying' a 17 year old woman by posting a clip of her playing soccer.

» The victimhood of these people is pathetic. You're on television. You don't know where your goal is. Essentially, you're giving yourself a free shot. You and your father are now complaining in the newspapers. Playing the victim because you were an asshole. Maybe leave everything you need to this guy and put a little effort into finding the network you're guarding. Nonsense Football on TV.”