Early Life and Education of Joey Barton: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 11, 2025

An overview of the childhood and early education of Joey Barton, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Joey Barton is an English football manager and former player, primarily a midfielder. He played extensively in the Premier League, notably with Manchester City, making 269 appearances. Most recently, he managed Bristol Rovers in League One.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

September 1982: Joey Barton born

On September 1982, Joseph Anthony Barton was born. He would later become an English professional football manager and former player.

1990: Reference to Justin Fashanu coming out as gay

In January 2012, Joey Barton stated his beliefs in support of gay rights referencing Justin Fashanu who came out as gay in 1990 and was England's only openly gay footballer until 2022.

2005: Brother Sentenced for Murder

In 2005, Joey Barton's brother, Michael Barton, was sentenced to life imprisonment for his involvement in the racially motivated murder of Anthony Walker. Joey appealed for his brother to come forward and help with the police investigation.

November 2006: Goal Celebration with Corradi

In November 2006, after scoring for Manchester City against Fulham, Bernardo Corradi ran to the corner flag, followed by teammate Joey Barton. Corradi proceeded to remove the corner flag and "knight" the kneeling Barton during a memorable goal celebration.

December 2007: Arrested on suspicion of assault

In December 2007, Joey Barton was arrested on suspicion of assault in Liverpool city centre after an early morning incident. He was later remanded in custody because he was already on bail for two prior offenses.

May 2008: Cleared of assault charge

In May 2008, Joey Barton was cleared of charges relating to an alleged argument with a taxi driver on March 13 2007.

May 2008: Sentenced to six months in jail

In May 2008, Joey Barton was sentenced to six months in jail after pleading guilty for his involvement in the assault that occurred in December 2007.

July 2008: Released from prison

In July 2008, Joey Barton was released from prison after serving 74 days of his six-month sentence for assault.

November 2008: Injured during a match against Wigan

In November 2008, Joey Barton was injured after a tackle from Lee Cattermole during Newcastle's draw with Wigan. He was confirmed to be out for two months with a medial ligament injury.

January 2012: Expressed Support for Gay Rights

On January 30, 2012, Joey Barton stated his beliefs in support of gay rights in a BBC Three program, discussing the lack of openly gay players in English professional football.

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September 2013: Wore Rainbow Laces

In September 2013, Joey Barton became the first player to wear rainbow laces as part of Stonewall's Rainbow Laces Campaign to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport.

February 2015: Stated Views on Religion

In February 2015, Joey Barton stated that he would privatise religion if he were Prime Minister and that taxpayers' money should not sponsor religion in any form.

2019: Married Georgia McNeil

Joey Barton married Georgia McNeil in 2019. They have four children together.

2022: Reference to Justin Fashanu coming out as gay

In January 2012, Joey Barton stated his beliefs in support of gay rights referencing Justin Fashanu who came out as gay in 1990 and was England's only openly gay footballer until 2022.

December 2023: Prominent Twitter User

As of December 2023, Joey Barton has over 2.7 million followers on Twitter, and his tweets have led to descriptions of him as a philosophical sportsman.