Joey Barton would never ever say anything controversial like this, surely.
The now Rangers midfielder has had an interesting first week in Scotland after confirming his move from Burnley.
He’s had to row back on his avowed love for Celtic, and he is likely to have a very interesting first few weeks ahead in Glasgow as the ‘Gers look to battle Brendan Rodgers’ team for the title next season
But we would not change him for the world, so it’s bizarre, to see fake quotes ascribed to the ex-Manchester City man floating around on the internet.
The viral picture, which has been retweeted and sent around the internet all week, was brought to the attention of the Rangers man this morning and it claims that in 2012, Barton stuck the boot in hard on the SPL.
Enjoy the Scottish prem @Joey7Barton #RIP pic.twitter.com/NPUNMT509s
— Scott Murray (@Scotty_Murray) May 28, 2016
However, Barton, champion of all things honest and decent, as we all know, was quick to burst our controversy-loving bubble.
This completely fake quote still doing the rounds. Me and @talkSPORTDrive didn't even get on in 2012! 😂😂 https://t.co/w0VuE9Sibw
— 👑 Joey Barton 👑 (@Joey7Barton) May 28, 2016
Life must be so very sad and lonely, if you decide to waste precious time inventing falsities about others. Find something/someone to love.
— 👑 Joey Barton 👑 (@Joey7Barton) May 28, 2016
Barton does now appear on Talksport, and other media outlets, but is denying he ever appeared on the station in 2012 and certainly never said anything like he is alleged to.
While Barton claims these particular quotes are fake, he was left red-faced when he joined his former club Burnley after slagging off the small northern mill town pretty brutally on Twitter.
Just look at some of these tweets he fired out at the time.