August 6, 2016: an historic day for Rangers Football Club… the day Joey Barton made his debit in the Scottish Premiership.
It was also Rangers’ first game back in the top flight in four years (first game ever if you listen to what some Celtic fans will tell you), which was also quite a big deal, too.
With Hamilton Academical’s visit to Ibrox almost certainly the biggest event in world sport this weekend, things didn’t get off the greatest of starts for 33-year-old Barton. With not even 20 minutes on the clock, Barton was on the wrong end of an Ali Crawford nutmeg.
Joey Barton getting nutmegged by Ali Crawford in the today's Rangers v Hamilton game. #Megz #SoccerAM https://t.co/gcXX1EtVqv
— Soccer AM (@SoccerAM) August 6, 2016
As you might expect, there was a sympathetic response from many a viewer…
https://twitter.com/JackM_QPR/status/761905760414605312
So far Barton's been roasted by Dougie Imrie (yes Dougie Imrie!!) And megged by Ali Crawford!
— David Calikes (@davidcalikes) August 6, 2016
https://twitter.com/SO_1888/status/761892366949216256
Joey Barton megged on his debut, aye yer all that pal 😂
— Sam Mcfarlane (@mcfarlane58_sam) August 6, 2016
Not content with his ‘megging of Barton, Crawford also popped up with the opening goal a few minutes later.
WATCH: That wasn't part of the @RangersFC plan! Live on Sky Sports 1 HD or follow it here: https://t.co/DJNh4fgCdx https://t.co/stlq2J3Kac
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 6, 2016
But with an upset on the cards, Rangers found an equaliser with half an hour to go. Martyn Waghorn finishing off a move which started with Joey Barton winning the ball back in midfield.
WATCH: It's relief for @RangersFC! Over four years in the waiting. Live on Sky Sports 1 HD: https://t.co/DJNh4fgCdx https://t.co/BUDoWr3xmZ
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 6, 2016
Rangers couldn’t add a second. In the later stages, Waghorn tweaked a hamstring meaning the home side finished with 10Â men and lost their momentum.
it finished 1-1 – not the greatest of starts to the season for a Rangers side with aspirations of finishing as champions. But hey, at least Joey Barton got himself man of the match.
Although that didn’t stop the online piss taking and abuse…
https://twitter.com/moo_ted/status/761919695935143936
If Joey Barton played like he did today getting trolled by half arsed players man he is going to get schooled by the Celtic midfield
— Lomalito Moala (@lomalitomoala) August 6, 2016
https://twitter.com/wullmc75/status/761927372765556737
https://twitter.com/colin_ban88/status/761893064952672256
Confusion as Joey Barton tries to take man of the match champagne but sponsor puts it through his legs
— Oldfirmfacts (@Oldfirmfacts1) August 6, 2016
