INITIALLY I was horrified at the sight of Joey Barton adopting the role of studio guest on BBC’s Football Focus.
“They’re glorifying a thug, giving a platform to a footballing fool” was my immediate take.
How myopic of me, and, on reflection, totally unjust.
Barton has a list of indiscretions as long as his arm during a short career with Manchester City, Newcastle and Queen’s Park Rangers, and we all know that he will add to that list the next time the red mist descends.
Yet, intriguingly, a man who it is very easy to dislike, is extremely erudite, and worthy of an ear.
His eloquence was never better portrayed than in a Radio Five Live interview later that afternoon during an answer on his love for rugby league.
“That sport is the embodiment of the relationship that should exist between players and supporters” he offered.
“It has retained a bond that does not exist in football, a sport in which the participants have lost touch with reality, due to the inflated salaries which are beyond the comprehension of the working man” he continued.
Barton, who admits to needing to live on the edge, has similarities with several boxers I have known down the years – indeed he comes from a pugilistic background – well capable of holding his own in debate as well as in the ring.
He was willing to criticise Fabio Capello, acknowledged some of his own failings, but at least didn’t dodge any issue or come up with mealy-mouthed excuses.
I’ll probably be criticising him again next week for a foul-mouthed rant at a referee, but credit where credit is due, he has a right to defend himself and does so impressively.
