More publicity for our Joe - UPDATE: QPR DENIAL

Oh dear, let's hope this isn't true. I also hope this doesn't cause any arguments or harsh comments from other posters.

i'm not bothered whether this is true or not, it's up to him what he does, but for QPR this is bad.

Oh dear

Considering his love for social networking, it would take him but a few moments to either confirm or deny.....................

Think this is a set-up. Don't think that Barton knew who the bloke was when the picture was taken

"Anything Adel can do, I can do better"?? I hope not. Joey needs to sort this one out quick smart, especially since he's playing in Shepherds Bush - a multi cultural area if ever there was one.

The other side of the coin of course is: What is permitted of a footballer/or manager or owner in sense of his own political of life style beliefs (as long as within the law) ... Personal beliefs...Privately held...Publicly held...expressed to others, etc. What are the paramaters/limit?

And

Show Racism the Red Card

EDL falsely claims to have recruited Joey Barton
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The English Defence League have wrongly claimed that Queens Park Rangers footballer, Joey Barton, has joined their far-right group.

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The English Defence League has claimed that Queens Park Rangers footballer, Joey Barton, has joined their far-right group.

A picture of Barton standing next to EDL leader, Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has appeared on the EDL Support Group Facebook page with the caption ‘Joey Barton joins the EDL’.

However, Barton and the club strongly deny any links with the far right extremists. In a statement released by the club, Barton said “As a Premier League footballer it is common to pose for photographs with people you do not know, as is the case here. I had no idea who the person was. I simply agreed to his request for a photograph. I have absolutely no connection with such a group.”

Last year, a similar picture of Yaxley-Lennon standing next to glamour model, Katie Price appeared on the EDL’s Facebook page along with the claim that she also supported the group. At the time, a spokesperson for Price’s management company said 'She is not and will not be associated with the English Defence League. Kate had no reason to suspect he had any connection with any group.'

Show Racism the Red Card’s Chief Executive, Ged Grebby said “The EDL is a far-right, racist organisation which claims to oppose Islamic extremism but, in practice, opposes all Muslims. The claim that Joey Barton supports them is another attempt at gaining credibility. The EDL is built on a foundation of distorted facts and this latest failed attempt at using celebrity endorsement goes to prove this.”

The full statement from Queens Park Rangers Football Club reads as follows:

"Queens Park Rangers Football Club and Joey Barton categorically deny any link between the midfielder and a far-right group who are claiming his support.

A photograph of Barton posing with a member of the group has been used to suggest the player is also a member.

Barton said: “As a Premier League footballer it is common to pose for photographs with people you do not know, as is the case here.

“I had no idea who the person was. I simply agreed to his request for a photograph.

“I have absolutely no connection with such a group.”

Barton has a pre-scheduled interview next week at QPR’s training ground to help raise awareness of the continued good work of Show Racism the Red Card."


www.srtrc.org/news/news-and-events?news=2549

I don't think it is about what is permitted or anything to do with the law. It's about values and the acknowledgement that a football club is not just an organisation with employees but has a community role. It obviously doesn't just represent a brand or company to the fans, a football club is more than that. Obviously we cannot screen players' thoughts and they obviously shouldn't, and don't, all ascribe to the same political view points (I mean take Bradley Orr, he's into all that NWO/illuminati conspiracy theory stuff, seriously). But anti-racism and being positive to the local community are values which our club, and most clubs, subscribe to - and that was a key factor (though obviously not the only one) in largely driving the rampant racism out of football. We aren't over it, but it's better than it was, a lot better.

So a limit I would say is that if a player was a supporter or member of a far right organisation, they become incompatible with being a member of a football club with an anti racist stance. If you support an organisation like the EDL with a proven track record of religious and racially motivated abuse and violence, and with members with proven cross-membership with the BPP, C18 and the NF (despite the lame protestations of the EDL leadership), it completely devalues the worth of the club's involvement in Kick it Out/Red Card and our community products in an inclusive, multi-cultural community. It doesn't add up.

And this is before you even go into the fact that the EDL is backed heavily by, and indeed created out of, the Casuals United movement or organised football hooligans. Our club, like most, does not have a political agenda or message, but it does subscribe to some very basic values - keeping racism out of football and our community, and anti-football violence are definitely two of them - and our general values held mostly by our support too (who obviously have a very, very diverse set of different politics and views). To me, it is not much different to how Marlon King playing for us would make a mockery of us promoting community inclusion in football as an unapologetic woman beater.

In short, it is not about censoring a players' personal political beliefs. It is about them being able to do their job properly. Part of your job is a footballer is being an ambassador for the club and its community work. You cannot do that sufficiently if you stand against them. It is not about "privately held" beliefs being stifled, it's far more functional than that. If you treat white people different to non-white people, you wouldn't be able to work properly in public services, for example, as you couldn't be judged to be treating all clients with the same level of fairness and therefore do your job. Same logic applies.

Bowranger: Excellent, well-argued response

JonDoeman: This was not like some "ITK" rumour posted by some Wannabe. I think it was perfectly appropriate to post. (If I'd seen it, and you hadn't), I would have posted it.

Well said bowranger. There is no place for racism in today's football!!

Joey's just nailed it, in four tweets:

"Can I just state, that should any person, ask me for a photograph when I'm in public, that I am not aware of their religious, political or personal beliefs or affiliations. If I smile and oblige their request, I do so for no other reason, than they've asked politely and respectfully. However this does not mean I am friends or share their beliefs. I categorically refuse to publicly release a statement, because I refuse to raise awareness in a group of mentally deficient right wing numpties. Hope u understand. JB"

Yes indeed.

And Julia, thanks again.

And I think also speaking for others, We're very glad you joined; and we greatly hope you become a regular part of this messageboard community.

This guy is the most intelligent member of the EDL