Joey Barton clamped by Rangers star and kickboxing champion dad over Sky Sports Cup Final blast

Unimpressed Nicola Docherty has checked Joey Barton over his scathing criticism of Partick Thistle goalkeeper Ava Easdon in the Sky Sports Cup Final.

The former Rangers midfielder fired in a withering take of 17-year-old Easdon – on loan from Glasgow City – for her role in one of the Ibrox side's goals in the 4-1 defeat for Thistle during the showcase contest staged at Tynecastle. Both Docherty and Easdon's dad have rounded on the controversial opinions of Ibrox flop Barton and his controversial opinions on women's football. Barton took to X and let rip stating: "I mean let’s just talk about the goalie! How is this nonsense on the box?"

But Scotland international Docherty joined Easdon's dad Lee – a seven-time kickboxing champion – to hit back and praise the rising keeper after appearance in the Final Posting on social media, Docherty said: "Couldn’t help but notice the tweets from an older man regarding this great young goalkeeper who is inspiring the next generation. Keep doing what you are doing! If women’s football isn’t for you change the channel, it isn’t hard."

And her proud dad also had a go back and spoke glowingly of his pride in Easdon's emerging career. He said: "She has moved up from youth level straight into SWPL1, just starting out her journey. She's made a mistake in her positioning 13 minutes into a cup final.

"@Joey7Barton my daughter is young enough to be your daughter and you playing up to all your young fan boys won't go down well with your daughters when they're old enough to see all the s*** you spout on social media. Top class role model there, mate."