The footballing community has been captivated by the intense social media conflict between former Premier League midfielder Joey Barton and Manchester United YouTuber Stephen Howson. Barton, known for his controversial nature, recently labelled Howson a “football virgin” during a heated exchange online.
This altercation stemmed from Barton’s previous critique of female football pundits and commentators, a divisive stance that has garnered widespread attention and criticism. In response to this backlash, Barton engaged in a tense exchange with Howson, who co-hosts the Vibe with Five podcast alongside United legend Rio Ferdinand.
Barton’s comments were brought up during the podcast, leading to discussions about inviting Barton onto the show to address the issue. In response, Howson issued a warning to Barton, indicating that he would face a challenging reception if he chose to appear as a guest on the podcast.
Subsequently, Barton continued to target Howson on social media, repeatedly comparing him to a potato and taunting him with the label “football virgin.” This exchange has sparked widespread debate and speculation about Barton potentially appearing on the Vibe with Five podcast in the future.
The controversy surrounding Barton’s comments has also spilled over onto other platforms, with Howson firing back at the former footballer for his choice of language and behaviour. In a rebuttal, Howson highlighted Barton’s unconventional communication style and expressed resilience in the face of Barton’s insults.
This feud represents the latest in a series of contentious statements and actions by Barton, who has frequently been embroiled in controversy throughout his career. His recent comments have drawn criticism from various quarters, with former Sky Sports presenter Bianca Westwood among those scrutinising his views during a televised appearance on Piers Morgan Uncensored.
As the saga unfolds, tensions continue to rise as both parties remain entrenched in their positions, setting the stage for a potentially explosive showdown should Barton indeed make an appearance on the Vibe with Five podcast. The outcome of this ongoing conflict remains uncertain, with observers and fans eagerly awaiting to see how it will unfold in the coming days.
In the midst of this compelling social media feud, both Barton and Howson have certainly captured the attention of the football world, further igniting discussions and debates on the evolving landscape of football punditry and commentary.