Joey Barton turns on Rio Ferdinand’s YouTuber wing-man Ste Howson, calling the Man United influencer a ‘Jersey Royal Headed buffoon’ as he dredges up his controversial comment on the 1958 Munich air disaster
Joey Barton has continued his online tirade after targeting Rio Ferdinand's podcast co-host Stephen Howson.
The former Manchester City man previously shared a series of misogynistic posts on social media that promoted the idea that 'women should not speak with any form of authority in the men's game'.
He has since come under scrutiny from a number of prominent figures within the sport, including Ferdinand's YouTuber wingman Howson.
Howson, who regularly appears on Ferdinand's 'Vibe with Five', was among those to comment on Barton's rants before the former Newcastle midfielder fired back.
On Wednesday, Barton wrote, “In response to the latest 'Vibe With Five' on @YouTube. @rioferdy5 and @fara_williams47 look forward to the discussion. Much respect to both.
Former Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton has continued his online tirade after targeting Rio Ferdinand's podcast co-host Stephen Howson
Howson (middle right) was on Ferdinand's podcast where they discussed Barton's comments
'Who is that big spudkop? Put yourself in the Tyldesley category? What is he on about? The big potato. The Great Spud'.
Following further messages from Barton, Howson told
“Okay…Honestly. It's amazing that you can't get a job in television with this understanding.”
Then, on Thursday morning, Barton fired back with a brutal response. He said, 'Stefan. Big Potato. @MrStephenHowson What is this all about…?
'@rioferdy5, you can't hang around with clowns like that, can you? Making a mockery of @ManUtd Most's terrible air disaster to insult a former CEO.
'No idea, Jersey Royal Headed buffoon'.
The post included a link to Mail Sport's report on how the podcaster apologized for his rant claiming Ed Woodward's reign at Old Trafford was 'worse' for the club than the Munich plane crash.
Howson said the 50-year-old's decisions have set United back further than the 'Busby Babes' crash, before seeking to clarify the intention behind his words after facing a backlash.
“I think where United are at the moment, fuck it, I'm going to say it on camera,” he said. 'I think Woodward was worse for us than Munich.
'Obviously I don't compare people who die, but I do say that ten years after Munich we were European champions. Ten years of Woodward, we're in the s***.
“I'm taking absolutely nothing away from the people who lost their lives in Munich, but in terms of anything that bloody happened, Woodward has been bloody worse for the football club and where we've progressed in that time.”
Barton expressed his opinion about Ferdinand's co-host on Thursday morning
Podcaster Howson was previously criticized for comments about the Munich air disaster
An excerpt of Howson's full comments was shared on social media, leading to him apologizing and admitting he should have conveyed what he meant better.
He initially responded to the anger, saying, “I can certainly apologize for the delivery – but this wasn't a scripted point – it never is. It's a podcast.
'The conversation lasted about forty minutes. I made it clear at the time what I meant. Most people got it. But Twitter will, as always, look for outrage.”
But later, sharing video from the episode, he tweeted: “I definitely should have worded this better and apologized for the offense I caused.”
The online clash between Howson and Barton comes a week later Barton doubled down on his controversial criticism of female broadcasters in men's football in an incendiary appearance Piers Morgantalk show on Thursday evenings.
Joey Barton appeared on Piers Morgan: Uncensored last week
'Come on. Let's be serious, Barton added, before suggesting, “Any man who listens to women's commentary or co-communication needs to test his mind…”
Barton, 41, refused to back down and continued with posts mocking City for hiring a woman to present social media coverage, calling out the “woke” decisions he says are made by broadcasters based on of the figures that appear in their reporting.
“The TV needs to go out the window when you get a double dose of XX from the communications team before your next big game,” the 41-year-old added.
Barton showed little sign of changing his mind with his appearance on Piers Morgan: Uncensored after his former sparring partner on Question Time was given the chance to make his views known.