Isa Guha hits back at divisive comments made by Joey Barton

Cricket commentator Isa Guha has taken aim at a former football star who ignited controversy with divisive comments about female broadcasters.

Isa Guha hits back at Joey Barton

Isa Guha has hit back at divisive comments made by notorious English football loudmouth Joey Barton.

Barton launched a tirade against female commentators and football analysts working in the men’s game in remarks that drew widespread backlash.

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Despite the storm he created, Barton doubled down on his comments in an appearance on Piers Morgan Uncensored.

“It’s a completely different game,” Barton said of women’s football.

“If you don’t accept that, we will always see things differently.

“The women’s game is thriving. Fantastic to see. (But) I cannot take a thing they say serious in the men’s arena.”

Barton, 41, took to X once again to call out Bianca Westwood and Laura Woods for a debate on his new Common Sense podcast, after the pair both shared their views on his remarks.

“Do you both have something to hide?

“You can come and debate. Just make sure you’re ready.

“I’ll take your silence as a sign you know it’s not for you. Screaming from the rooftops yesterday. Tumbleweeds blowing across the vast expanse today. Says it all…”

Neither Woods nor Westwood responded to Barton’s taunt so he increased his efforts by questioning why they chose to remain silent.

Guha responded to the divisive remarks. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Barton back in his playing days. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)

Guha weighed into the ugly saga following the opening Test between Australia and Pakistan that took place in Perth.

The 38-year-old who played 113 international matches for England across all formats has become a star behind the microphone in a thriving media career.

In a detailed post on her Instagram account, Guha spoke glowingly about her current role and all the hard work that went into getting where she is.

“I’ve been thinking lately of how grateful I am to be able to cover sport, because I guess it hasn’t always been attainable,” she wrote.

“I’m aware of the recent comments in the UK that women shouldn’t work on men’s sport, and people voicing differing opinions around the matter.

“When I first started, I was pretty green and I remember the comments then. But my bosses backed me against the noise and when I made plenty of mistakes. As a result, I wanted to repay them by learning as much and as quickly as possible.

“What I love about this broadcast is the range of personalities and backgrounds, and for me that’s what makes it special. Representation matters because people want to see themselves reflected. But I hope that as time moves on there is more focus on everyone enjoying sport rather than their gender or background.

“Cricket has led the way with many female voices and I’m grateful that many of our peers and colleagues (including in these photos) have always given us the support/space and backing to fulfil our roles. While there will always be exceptions, I’ve always felt it’s more important to acknowledge those that raise us up rather than those that don’t.

“My opinion is that women can work on men’s sport just as men can work on women’s sport as pundits/presenters/commentators but either way let’s give people exactly the same patience and support to learn and thrive.️”

Originally published as Isa Guha hits back at divisive comments made by Joey Barton