Table of Contents
Joey Barton’s Brother Michael: A Background
Joey Barton, the former Manchester City star, is set to appear on Piers Morgan’s show amidst controversy surrounding his comments about his brother Michael. This includes recent remarks seemingly downplaying Michael’s involvement in a 2005 ice-axe killing and Barton’s contentious views on women covering men’s football.1
Recent Controversies:
Joey Barton has faced criticism for his misogynistic rant on social media, stating that any man listening to women commentators “needs their head testing.” This comes shortly after his comments on the racially motivated murder of Anthony Walker at the hands of Michael Barton and his cousin Paul Taylor.
Joey Barton’s Brother:
Michael Barton Joey Barton’s younger brother, Michael Barton, was only 17 when he was sent to prison for his role in the killing of Black teenager Anthony Walker in 2005. Michael, now 34, was granted parole in September 2023 after serving 17 years, with his sentence reduced in 2016.
Details of the Crime:
Michael Barton and Paul Taylor were convicted for the racially motivated ice-axe murder of Anthony Walker. The brutal attack occurred in 2005 when Walker was out with his cousin Marcus Binns.
Barton and Taylor stalked and ambushed Walker, with Taylor driving an ice axe into his skull, leading to Walker’s tragic death. Barton and Taylor later fled to Amsterdam but were eventually charged and tried at Liverpool Crown Court.
Joey Barton’s Controversial Comments:
During an appearance on the Anything Goes podcast, Joey Barton referred to the attack as “a f***ing scrap,” drawing criticism from the Anthony Walker Foundation. The foundation emphasized that Michael Barton did not “lose” 17 years but that Anthony Walker’s life was lost forever.
Current Controversy: Joey Barton’s Sexism Storm
Joey Barton is currently embroiled in a sexism storm for his comments suggesting that women should not have authority in men’s football. His social media rant included claims that women commentators should not be taken seriously in the men’s game.
This has sparked a significant backlash from the public and fellow broadcasters, with Laura Woods expressing her disagreement and calling for a more constructive approach to address the issue.
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The Racist Murder of Anthony Walker
On July 30, 2005, Anthony Walker, an 18-year-old A-level student, fell victim to a racially motivated murder in Liverpool. Michael Barton, along with his cousin Paul Taylor, brutally attacked Anthony, leading to Barton’s imprisonment in 2006 for 18 years. This section provides an overview of the incident and the subsequent developments.2
2. Michael Barton’s Role in the Murder
Who is Michael Barton and what did he do?
Michael Barton, aged 17 at the time, played a central role in the racist murder of Anthony Walker.
This subheading explores the circumstances surrounding the attack, Barton’s involvement, and the subsequent trial where he was found guilty of murder. It delves into the events leading up to the tragic incident.
3. The Attack on Anthony Walker
Barton, accompanied by his cousin Paul Taylor, racially abused Anthony at a bus stop in 2005.
Threats were made, leading Anthony and his cousin to change bus stops. However, Barton and Taylor pursued them in a car, eventually ambushing and attacking them. This section sheds light on the details of the assault and the subsequent legal proceedings.
4. Anthony Walker: The Victim
Who was Anthony Walker?
This subsection provides information about Anthony Walker, the young victim of the racially motivated murder.
Anthony, an A-level student, lived with his family in Huyton, Liverpool. It narrates the events leading up to the attack, highlighting Anthony’s personal life and the devastating impact of his untimely death on his family and community.
5. Michael Barton’s Current Status
Where is Michael Barton now?
Following his conviction, Michael Barton was sentenced to 17 years and eight months in prison.
As he approached the end of his sentence, Barton moved to the open-air prison HMP Thorn Cross in Cheshire. This part examines Barton’s legal journey, his steps towards release, and the uncertainties surrounding his current whereabouts, raising questions about the justice system’s promises.
6. Controversial Statements and Reaction
Former footballer Joey Barton, Michael’s brother, sparked controversy in November 2023 with his comments on a podcast, downplaying the severity of the attack.
This subheading explores the public reaction to Joey Barton’s statements and the emotional response from Anthony’s mother, Dr Gee Walker, who felt “betrayed” by a reduction in Barton’s sentence.
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Joey Barton’s Controversial Remarks on Brother’s Racist Murder
Ex-Manchester City footballer Joey Barton faces criticism for his recent comments on a podcast, where he referred to his brother Michael Barton’s unprovoked racist murder of Anthony Walker as a mere “scrap.” The insensitive remarks have sparked outrage from the public and the Anthony Walker Foundation.3
Background:
Joey Barton’s brother, Michael Barton, was convicted at the age of 17 for murdering 18-year-old Anthony Walker in 2005 alongside his cousin Paul Taylor. The brutal attack involved an ice axe and resulted in fatal brain injuries for Walker. Both perpetrators were sentenced to life in prison.
Barton’s Podcast Statement:
In the podcast hosted by Youtuber James English, Barton described the incident as a fight between friends that escalated, leading to the use of a deadly weapon. The description has been criticized for downplaying the severity and racially motivated nature of the crime.
Anthony Walker Foundation’s Response:
The Anthony Walker Foundation issued a statement condemning Barton’s comments as factually incorrect and lacking sensitivity. They expressed disappointment that Barton seemed to trivialize the incident, causing further pain to the family and friends of Anthony Walker. The foundation emphasized the importance of addressing racism, hate crime, and discrimination.
Inaccuracy of Barton’s Remarks:
The foundation clarified that Michael Barton did not lose 17 years of his life, as stated by Joey Barton. Instead, it highlighted the permanent loss of Anthony Walker’s life, emphasizing the profound impact of the racially motivated attack.
Barton’s Brother’s Release:
Michael Barton, who was initially sentenced to life with a minimum term of 17 years, was released on licence in September 2022 after the Parole Board recognized his “exceptional progress” behind bars. The foundation expressed hope that Barton would reflect on the gravity of his words and actions.
Foundation’s Mission:
The Anthony Walker Foundation affirmed its commitment to creating a more inclusive world, striving to prevent similar incidents through educational opportunities, victim support services, and the promotion of equity and inclusion.
Aftermath of the Murder:
Following the racially motivated murder, Barton and Thompson, the co-perpetrator, fled abroad. Barton, known for his football career with clubs like Manchester City, Newcastle United, Rangers, and Burnley, publicly called for their surrender, leading to their eventual arrest upon return.
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Joey Barton And Michael Barton’s Age Gap
Joey Barton and his brother Michael Barton, born four years apart, share a unique bond marked by familial connection and the complexities of their journeys..4
Age Gap
Joey, born on September 2, 1982, and Michael, entering the world in 1986, find themselves within an age gap that has shaped their respective experiences and paths. This four-year age difference can be significant in the context of familial dynamics.
Sibling Dynamics and Mentorship
Joey Barton may have assumed mentorship and influence over Michael as the elder sibling during their formative years. He is also known for his strong opinions and criticized for them.
Tragic Turn of Events
However, the Barton brothers’ relationship took a tragic turn in 2005 when Michael was involved in the racially motivated murder of Anthony Walker. This moment undoubtedly strained the family bonds. The age gap, while a numerical distinction, becomes a poignant element in the Barton family narrative.
Reflections on Time and Individual Journeys
It reflects the passage of time and the diverse trajectories each brother has undertaken. Beyond the controversies and challenges, the age gap serves as a reminder of the intricate interplay between time, family dynamics, and the individual journeys of Joey Barton and Michael Barton.
Joey Barton Family
Joey Barton‘s family narrative is a tapestry woven with ordinary and tragic threads. At its core are his parents, Joey Snr, a roofer, and Rita, who took on the crucial role of nurturing Joey and his siblings. Joey’s twin brother, Andrew, and his younger brother, Michael, add layers to this familial story.
The Impact of Tragedy on Familial Bonds
The familial bonds took a tragic turn in 2005 when Michael Barton became entangled in the racially motivated murder of Anthony Walker. The incident cast a shadow over the Barton family, leading to a public reckoning and underscoring the challenges faced within the household.
Identity Shaped by Upbringing
Joey Barton’s upbringing, marked by the presence of hardworking parents and the complexities of sibling relationships, is an integral part of his identity.
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