March 25th 2024.
Professional footballer Joey Barton received backlash after publicly criticizing 17-year-old goalkeeper Ava Easdon for her performance in the SWPL Cup final. Ava's father, Lex Easdon, a seven-time world kickboxing champion, was quick to defend his daughter against Barton's harsh words.
Ava, a Scotland youth international, joined Partick Thistle on loan last summer and was in goal for their match against Rangers at Tynecastle Park on Sunday. After the game, Barton took to social media, formerly known as Twitter, to share a clip of Ava conceding a goal and wrote, "I mean let's just talk about the goalie! How is this nonsense on the box? #cosplayfootball."
Lex Easdon was not pleased with Barton's post and took to social media to express his disappointment. He wrote, "In 2024 and 'grown' men still feel the need to belittle and bully a 17-year-old school kid, who doesn't get paid to play." He also pointed out the hypocrisy of Barton, who is known for making mistakes on the field despite being a professional player, criticizing Ava who is just starting her career.
Ava's father also called out Barton for setting a bad example for his young fans and for his own daughters. He wrote, "My daughter is young enough to be your daughter and you playing up to all your young fan boys won't go down well with your daughters when they're old enough to see all the s*** you spout on social media. Top class role model there, mate."
Ava's mistake in the cup final was just her 11th appearance on a professional team. Lex Easdon pointed out that unlike some male players who make the same mistakes week after week and get paid hundreds of thousands of pounds, Ava is just starting her journey in the sport and should not be treated with such disrespect.
Ava may have made a mistake on the field, but she has already shown great potential and resilience. Sky Sports Scotland even praised her for her "brilliant finish" in the game. In response to a user who called out Barton's hypocrisy for criticizing the women's game, Easdon called him "embarrassing" and pointed out that Ava is more mature and mentally tough than the critics.
Despite the negative comments from Barton and others, Ava is able to brush it off and laugh at the comments. However, her father reminds us that not everyone is as strong as her and social media can have a negative impact on people's mental health. It is important for public figures like Barton to think before they speak and consider the impact of their words.
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