Joey Barton has once again taken aim at Alan Shearer, calling the former Newcastle United legend a “liar and a snake,” reigniting their long-standing feud that dates back over a decade.
The rivalry between the two has simmered ever since the 2008-09 season, when Shearer was managing Newcastle, and Barton was a key player in the midfield.
The 2008-09 Season and Fallout
The tension between Barton and Shearer began in May 2009 during a match against Liverpool.
Barton was sent off for a late challenge on Xabi Alonso, and Newcastle suffered a 3-0 defeat.
Following the game, the club suspended Barton indefinitely, reportedly due to a confrontation with Shearer in the dressing room.
Although Shearer eventually recalled Barton to the team, their relationship never healed, and the animosity has flared up again in recent weeks.
Barton’s Furious Social Media Posts
In a recent podcast, Barton didn’t hold back in airing his grievances, even posting a strongly worded message on social media.
He wrote, “Shearer was a liar and a snake.
If Newcastle didn’t appoint him, I believe that group would have survived. Don’t be telling porkies, Mary Poppins.”
His rant continued on his podcast, where he criticized Shearer for spreading false narratives about their time together at Newcastle, including allegations about a request for permission to attend an FA Cup semi-final.
Barton blasted Shearer for “lying” about events in the dressing room and questioned his memory, suggesting that Shearer’s head injuries were to blame for his confusion.
Barton also took a jab at Shearer’s media career, calling him “the most boring man ever.”
A Long History of Tensions
This is far from the first time Barton has used social media to take shots at Shearer.
Back in 2012, after Barton was sent off during a match for QPR, Shearer publicly criticized his temperament.
Barton fired back with a scathing response, comparing Shearer’s punditry skills to his own sense of style and hair.
The pair’s bitter exchanges seem to show no sign of fading away.
Barton Takes on More Pundits
Barton hasn’t limited his critiques to Shearer alone.
He recently targeted Roy Keane, the former Manchester United midfielder, after Keane engaged in a heated exchange with Ipswich fans.
Barton, never one to hold back, declared he’d be happy to settle any differences with Keane in a charity boxing match, claiming that Keane’s behavior was getting on his nerves.
Legal Troubles and Controversial Comments
Barton’s outbursts aren’t just confined to his online rants.
In July, he faced legal charges for alleged “malicious communications” after making offensive remarks about former England star Eni Aluko.
Barton had compared Aluko and fellow pundit Lucy Ward to notorious criminals Fred and Rose West, leading to a public backlash.
Barton later escalated his criticism, comparing Aluko to the infamous dictator Joseph Stalin.
Barton is set to face a three-day trial next May for the charges, and he has maintained his innocence, describing the legal system as a “banana republic.”
What’s Next for Barton?
With tensions flaring between Barton and his various targets, it remains to be seen what his next move will be.
Whether it’s more online feuds or legal battles, Barton’s controversial personality shows no signs of slowing down.