Minister condemns ‘misogynistic bullying in sport’ in apparent reference to Joey Barton

Secretary of state for culture, media and sport Lucy Frazer this morning condemned “misogynistic bullying behaviour in sport” in an apparent reference to former footballer Joey Barton.

It came after a question from shadow secretary of state Thangam Debbonaire, who said: “Unfortunately there’s been a spate in recent weeks of disgusting, sexist, misogynistic abuse directed towards sportswomen just for being at the top of their game.

“And I know the [sports] minister [Stuart Andrew] has himself been on the receiving end just for standing up to it, which I commend him for”.

Earlier this week, Andrew said the government “condemned” Barton’s remarks – confirming he was looking into ways it could take action.

Barton has referred to ITV pundits Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward as “the Fred and Rose West of football”.

Speaking today, Lucy Frazer said: “I would agree with the honourable member that we should not have misogynistic bullying behaviour in sport and all governing bodies should be looking at what their sports are doing.

“We set out in our sport strategy about how we should have fair competition and how we should have integrity within sport”.

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