Isa Guha responds to English footballer Joey Barton's 'women shouldn’t work in men’s sport' remark

English cricket star turned commentator Isa Guha gracefully responded to former Premier League star Joey Barton's recent comments, in which he said that women should not discuss men's football. Guha, a respected figure in the cricket world, is currently involved in the Australian cricket summer.

Barton, a controversial ex-Manchester City player, took to social media on December 6 to express his controversial take. "Women shouldn't be talking with any kind of authority in the men's game. Come on. Let's be serious. 'It's a completely different game. If you don't accept that. We will always see things differently," Barton wrote on his 'X' profile.

He went on to dismiss women's commentary in men's sports, stating, "Any man who listens to women's commentary needs their heads testing. Stick to your own game."

Guha, known for her achievements in international cricket and her insightful commentary, countered Barton's remarks on Instagram. Accompanied by photos of cricket legends like Adam Gilchrist and Michael Vaughan, she reflected on her journey, expressing gratitude for the opportunities to cover sports.

Guha acknowledged the recent comments in the UK, emphasizing the importance of representation in sports. She highlighted that cricket has been a trailblazer in providing a platform for female voices. Guha also stressed on the significance of supporting individuals in their learning and thriving process, irrespective of gender.

"I’ve been thinking lately of how grateful I am to be able to cover sport, because I guess it hasn’t always been attainable," she wrote. "I’m aware of the recent comments in the UK that women shouldn’t work in men’s sport, and people voicing differing opinions around the matter. When I first started I was pretty green and I remember the comments then. But my bosses backed me against the noise and when I made plenty of mistakes. As a result, I wanted to repay them by learning as much and as quickly as possible."

Reflecting on her own experiences, Guha stated, "While there will always be exceptions, I've always felt it's more important to acknowledge those that raise us up rather than those that don't." She asserted her belief that women can excel in men's sports commentary, advocating for equal patience and support for both genders.

Guha, a two-time World Cup winner with England, transitioned into commentary in 2011, a career choice she had not initially envisioned. With a doctorate in neuroscience, she has earned acclaim for her insightful and articulate commentary, even stepping into presenting roles such as the BBC's Wimbledon coverage.