Joey Barton can't win these days - even when he's trying to be nice.
The Rangers man is known as something of a motor mouth, and certainly isn't afraid of courting controversy, whether it's with a full-blooded tackle, contrary opinion, or sweeping Twitter statement.
But it seems that his every utterance is ammunition for those ready and waiting to take the piss, even when he's not really being controversial or contrary at all.
On Tuesday, Everton Football Club confirmed that they'd finally appointed Ronald Koeman as their new manager. They had supposedly been on the verge of announcing his arrival for weeks.
https://twitter.com/Everton/status/742634443471360000
Responding to the news, Barton was positively gushing about Roberto Martinez's replacement. He was particularly impressed with the former Southampton boss's managerial CV...
https://twitter.com/Joey7Barton/status/742674746547032066
But the descriptor 'serial winner' was pounced upon by rival fans, who found the very suggestion absurd. According to them it was a ridiculously blue-tinted view of the appointment...
https://twitter.com/cagiest/status/742678573740392448
https://twitter.com/nikbarnes79/status/742678640480137216
https://twitter.com/KaneWatto/status/742684734099234816
https://twitter.com/Jay_78_/status/742683736005869568
Indeed it may have been a slight exaggeration on Barton's part, but in fairness he didn't specifically refer to Koeman's managerial career. The Dutchman boasts a European Cup, European Super Cup, European Championship with Holland, and four La Liga titles amongst his honours as a player.
In any case, claims that he has won 'zero trophies' as a manager are just plain false, as the Everton infographic below points out. Barton doesn't half come out with some guff sometimes, but he's not far wrong this time.
https://twitter.com/Everton/status/742636903070113792
