Controversial ex Newcastle United star ruffles feathers with Gareth Southgate Pizza Hut quip

Controversial ex Newcastle United star Joey Barton found himself trending on Twitter today after ruffling feathers with a controversial quip about Gareth Southgate's performance as England manager during the World Cup 2022 in Qatar.

The former midfielder, who played 81 times for The Magpies, now manages League One outfit Bristol Rovers. Barton, known for his erratic playing style and penchant for a red card, took to Twitter on Monday afternoon to share some thoughts about Three Lions boss Southgate's performance.

Barton wrote: "Can’t believe Southgate hasn’t resigned yet. That’s two World Cups and a home European Championship we could/should have won. Stop rewarding failure. Got to go. Time to hire somebody who can win. Pizza Hut advert years ago. Enough said."

It didn't take long for football fans to seize upon the Tweet with the majority criticising Barton for his comments.

One Twitter user wrote: "League 1 manager with 18 minutes international experience, a couple of convictions, one relegation a ban for match betting and a one League 2 promotion knows the way. Why have we never listened."

One user added: "I'll take his +60% win rate over your -40% win rate."

Another blasted his "air of self entitlement" and someone else quipped "if only the most embarrassing thing you'd ever done was a pizza advert" - Barton was of course referring to the 1996 Pizza Hut advert where Southgate appeared alongside Stuart Pearce and Chris Waddle munching on a slice of pan pizza making 'miss' puns.

Barton wasn't done with his social media rantings yet though. He quoted one reply showing England's form under Southgate and continued to be transfixed on the whole Pizza Hut ad moment from years ago.

He wrote: "Exactly Harry. Time for him to move on. You have to win. He’s a nice guy but he isn’t a winner. When he put Pizza Box on his head after missing the pen, he was done with. No self-respecting man would ever do that. Sorry. He’s had his time. Move him on."

Thankfully, for many England fans, Barton then ruled himself out of running for the job, admitting he'd be focusing on getting Bristol Rovers promoted from League 1 for now. His side currently sit 12th in the league.

Barton finished his Twitter rant and said "more chance of Vladimir Putin getting it than me," in response to his chances of becoming boss of the national side.