Joey Barton believes England would have won the Euros If Mason Greenwood was in the team.
Greenwood, 22, is set to finalise his Manchester United exit as he looks to rebuild his career in France with Olympique Marseille.
Greenwood was suspended by United in January 2022 before being charged nine months later of attempted rape, assault, and controlling and coercive behaviour towards a woman.
He denied the claims, with all criminal charges eventually being dropped in February 2023.
The forward joined Spanish side Getafe on loan last season and was crowned the LaLiga outfits player of the season.
Barton who himself had a brief spell at Marseille believes it is a quality signing for the club and that the Englishman deserves a second chance.
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Taking to X formerly Twitter he wrote:
‘That is a great signing. 👌
The kid deserves a chance to get on with his career.
We all make mistakes.
Nobody’s perfect.
England would have won the Euro’s with this kid in the side. 🏴🏴🏴
He’s as good player. As any in that Euro’s squad. His behaviour and the public fallout has massively affected his performance, yet he went to an average team in Spain. (And got himself back on track!) 🦁
I hope Mason and his family find peace and prosperity in the South of France. Be allowed to get on with their young lives. And hopefully he can get the opportunity to atone for his errors.
I know the fans of @OM_Officiel love their club. This boy could be as good a player as any Englishman that has pulled on your jersey before.
With the support your incredible he will set Ligue 1 on fire. This kid is good. Believe me. If you support him, OM take back over.
Great coach in RDZ. 🩵
Big conkers to take Greenwood. 👍’
That is a great signing. 👌
The kid deserves a chance to get on with his career.
We all make mistakes.
Nobody’s perfect.
England would have won the Euro’s with this kid in the side. 🏴🏴🏴
He’s as good player. As any in that Euro’s squad. His behaviour and the public… https://t.co/Em8IEKq1lz
— Father Joseph Barton 🦁 (@Joey7Barton) July 17, 2024
Users on social media were quick to react angrily to Barton’s assessment.
One fumed: ‘Yeah we don’t all make mistakes like r*** fella but expect no less from you ya scum bag.’
Another added: ‘We all make mistakes? Yeah like getting too drunk at a party or saying something hurtful to a friend. Not like violently abusing women or raping them (allegedly). Thats not a mistake thats demonic.’
A third commented: ‘You would feel different if it was your daughter who got beaten up and r****.’
A fourth sided with Barton: ‘Agree he does deserve a second chance.’
