Lucy Ward Testifies Joey Barton’s X Posts Left Her Scared
Lucy Ward, a prominent figure in women’s football, recently testified in a legal case involving Joey Barton. The atmosphere surrounding the case intensified after Barton shared an image that included her face alongside that of another individual, superimposed onto a photo associated with notorious historical figures.
Concerns Over Public Image
Ward expressed her distress during the court proceedings, emphasizing the potential negative repercussions of such comparisons. She noted, “I just thought this is going to explode in a really negative way.” As someone in the public eye, her connection to Barton’s post stirred significant concern. She stated, “The insinuation with two people who tortured, sexually abused, and killed children is not somebody you want to be compared with.”
Career Background
- Former player for Leeds United
- Head of education and welfare at Leeds United
- Over 20 years of experience in broadcasting
Defensive Arguments
Simon Csoka KC, arguing on behalf of Barton, questioned Ward’s capability to comment on the men’s game without direct experience. He stated, “So far as being able to offer your own expertise on the men’s game, you can only do that if you were in the men’s game?” Ward countered effectively, indicating that knowledge of football transcends gender. “Football is football,” she remarked.
Understanding Context
The court heard various exchanges about terminology used in football commentary. Ward shared her understanding of phrases like “murdering the commentary.” Her response was affirming but highlighted the uncomfortable undertones of such expressions.
As the case progresses, the implications of Barton’s social media actions remain pivotal in analyzing public figures’ responsibility online and the impact of their statements.
