Putting together TV panels for football games is a piece of piss.
You get an unbiased, well-spoken presenter. You add in a considered, tactically-astute analyst. And then you get the guy who’s liable to say something absolutely mental.
TV3 have definitely got that last category filled as it emerged on Monday that none other than Joey Barton will be a part of their panel of pundits for this summer’s European Championships.
Red card collector Barton will join the likes of Keith Andrews and Emma Byrne, as well as TV3 regulars Graeme Souness, Neil Lennon and Kevin Kilbane as they look to break down games taking place in France.
Harry Redknapp is always a banker for a great line and he’s also included in the broadcaster’s list of panelists along with the somewhat less quotable Gerry Armstrong and Lawrie Sanchez.
But Barton’s name is definitely the one that stands out from the list. Here’s what we can expect from the controversial midfielder this summer.
1 – Calling out England-born Irish internationals
If ur English, u play for England. If ur English and sh*t, u pretend ur Irish grand parentage matters to u and play for Ireland!
— 👑 Joey Barton 👑 (@Joey7Barton) January 9, 2012
2 – Bit of politics
3 – No shit taken
4 – Words of wisdom (quoted)
5 – Saying what he means
6 – Ill thought out predictions
Neymar is the Justin Bieber of football. Brilliant on the old You Tube. Cat piss in reality…
— 👑 Joey Barton 👑 (@Joey7Barton) March 25, 2013
7 – Bang-on analysis
Mamadou Sakho is the most unorthodox, efficient, unbalanced, effective defender on the Planet.
— 👑 Joey Barton 👑 (@Joey7Barton) March 10, 2016
8 – Going back on his word
@GaryMurg We might be crap. We may well be really over rated but at least we don't have to live in Burnley!
— 👑 Joey Barton 👑 (@Joey7Barton) May 4, 2014
Delighted to have signed for @BurnleyOfficial A football environment I cannot wait to be a part.
— 👑 Joey Barton 👑 (@Joey7Barton) August 27, 2015
9 – Looooong rants
If its any consolation for Mark, I judge him on Fulham and Man City as well…
— 👑 Joey Barton 👑 (@Joey7Barton) April 1, 2014
People thinking I hold a grudge against Hughes. I don't. He was the one who let me go to Marseille after all.
— 👑 Joey Barton 👑 (@Joey7Barton) April 1, 2014
What I don't like is people shifting the blame. How dare he say what he has said in that interview. The club/board backed him to the hilt.
— 👑 Joey Barton 👑 (@Joey7Barton) April 1, 2014
Gave him everything he ever asked for. Fans backed him to the hilt. He hired his 'mates' (Rigg/Kia) to advise on players. His signings.
— 👑 Joey Barton 👑 (@Joey7Barton) April 1, 2014
Who took the club down. Why? Lack of professional pride and discipline. IMO. He will claim he kept us up the year. He never. Warnocks team.
— 👑 Joey Barton 👑 (@Joey7Barton) April 1, 2014
I reiterate, players he signed took the club down. Why I am ranting at this interview? Because he is trying to get away from the truth.
— 👑 Joey Barton 👑 (@Joey7Barton) April 1, 2014
We are all now here trying to clean up his mess. The players/staff/board and fans. He inherits Tony Pulis team, a good solid team and now..
— 👑 Joey Barton 👑 (@Joey7Barton) April 1, 2014
..he thinks he's the bees knees. Nah mate, you're not shifting blame. Not on my watch.
— 👑 Joey Barton 👑 (@Joey7Barton) April 1, 2014
Accept you failed. Accept your to blame. Be humble and apologise to a club you left in a hell of a worse situation than when you came.
— 👑 Joey Barton 👑 (@Joey7Barton) April 1, 2014
Can't wait for my book…😁
— 👑 Joey Barton 👑 (@Joey7Barton) April 1, 2014
10 – The odd tune
How does it feel?
How does it feel
To be without a home
Like a complete unknown
Like a rolling stone ?#WATP— 👑 Joey Barton 👑 (@Joey7Barton) May 22, 2016
11 – Some accidental expletives
Calm the fuck down. Think rationally. Let's not be hasty again. This is how we got in this shit. Definition of insanity and all that…
— 👑 Joey Barton 👑 (@Joey7Barton) November 16, 2015
Sir Bernard Ingham. What a despicable cunt! (Apologies for the language but no other word really fits!) http://t.co/3Y5DGZYcGO
— 👑 Joey Barton 👑 (@Joey7Barton) March 31, 2014
Oh fuck right off…
— 👑 Joey Barton 👑 (@Joey7Barton) June 19, 2014
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