Joey Barton has faced heavy backlash for a social media post he shared in response to a disturbing incident during Liverpool’s title parade, where several fans were injured after being struck by a car.
Thousands gathered in the city to celebrate Liverpool’s 20th league championship, lining the streets to cheer on Arne Slot and his players aboard the parade bus. However, the festive atmosphere turned grim when reports emerged of a vehicle plowing into fans on Water Street in the city centre.
Graphic images quickly circulated online, and Merseyside Police issued a statement confirming the crash and the arrest of the driver involved.
Witnesses described fans reacting by damaging the car, and police officers intervening to clear the area. A follow-up statement from police confirmed that a 53-year-old local white British man had been taken into custody. Authorities urged the public not to speculate about the circumstances — but Barton, a former Newcastle and Marseille midfielder, appeared to do just that in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Barton, who is from Liverpool, wrote in a now-deleted post: “Thoughts are with all the football fans celebrating their team’s title victory. This is horrendous. Everyone knows what’s gone on. When will it stop [prayer emoji].”
He later edited the post, removing the phrases “Everyone knows what’s gone on” and “When will it stop,” but fans had already seen the original and quickly criticized him.
Replies included comments such as:
“Changed your tune didn’t you.”
“What did you mean initially Joey?”
“Backtracking quicker than you ever did on a pitch.”
“Any apologies for your last tweet?”
“Good use of the edit tool Joseph.”
“You’ve had a nightmare there Joey. At least own your thoughts.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been updated on the incident and described the scenes as “appalling.”
Liverpool FC also issued a statement on X, confirming coordination with Merseyside Police and expressing their sympathy for those affected.
“We are in direct contact with Merseyside Police regarding the incident on Water Street which happened towards the end of the trophy parade earlier this evening,” the club said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by this serious incident. We will continue to offer our full support to the emergency services and local authorities dealing with it.”