Well, this is awkward.
Joey Barton was involved in a farcical incident during Saturday’s FA Cup tie between Burnley and Lincoln City.
The controversial midfielder tried to get Lincoln player Matt Rhead sent-off, but just ended up embarrassing himself, and infuriating many watching the game.
Barton stamped on Rhead’s foot, but the non-league striker didn’t react. However, Joey had another trick up his sleeve.
Lincoln beat Burnley, and everyone is laughing at Joey… https://t.co/v9kpAuax9d
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) February 18, 2017
The former Rangers and Manchester City midfielder decided to run straight into Rhead’s trailing arm and drop to the ground like he had been attacked by his opponent.
https://twitter.com/gabe_roche03/status/832952630171336704
'Premier League' player Joey Barton attempting to get a National League player sent off by cheating twice. What a top bloke. #BURLIN #FACup pic.twitter.com/dB5E1s0Scy
— Carl Jones (@CarlDJones) February 18, 2017
The referee wasn’t convinced by Barton’s antics and Lincoln would have the last laugh.
The non-league side beat the Premier League team with an 89th minute goal from Sean Raggett to secure a place in the last-eight of the cup.
Lincoln are now just one game away from playing at Wembley, and Barton didn’t little to endear himself to football fans.
However, they would agree with this old tweet from Barton.
Four years ago, Barton wrote that “players who roll around when nobody touches them should be subsequently banned.” He also said he hates cheats and that the authorities should clamp down on diving.
Players who roll around when nobody touches them should be subsequently banned. I hate cheats. Authorities should address it.
— 👑 Joey Barton 👑 (@Joey7Barton) February 3, 2013
Barton also wants FIFA to eradicate diving at the World Cup.
Good to see if FIFA use retrospective action to stamp diving out of the World biggest tournament?
— 👑 Joey Barton 👑 (@Joey7Barton) June 12, 2014
And has even suggested bringing in a three game ban for offenders.
@piersmorgan I train all summer to have him cheat us out of hard earned point. Its not on. Diving should be 3 game ban. Respect the game
— 👑 Joey Barton 👑 (@Joey7Barton) August 13, 2011
He really doesn’t like diving.
@RobbieSavage8 hate CHEATS that dive to win pens. If theres contact go down but dont blatantly try to con the ref. Refs have it hard enough
— 👑 Joey Barton 👑 (@Joey7Barton) August 13, 2011
And Barton’s right, there should be no place for diving in football.
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