Joey Barton says Eni Aluko is not to blame for the abuse she has received while working as a pundit.
The former midfielder has called on TV broadcasters to stop employing Aluko in order to protect her mental health.
Barton has grabbed headlines in recent weeks with his controversial views on women pundits in men's football.
Earlier this month he compared Aluko and Lucy Ward to serial killers Fred and Rose West, a comment which was condemned by ITV.
Joey Barton has backtracked on his criticism of Eni Aluko
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Aluko revealed last week that she was too scared to leave her own house due to the abuse she was receiving online.
She feared for her own safety before travelling to the Ivory Coast to work at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Aluko released a video on social media where she condemned the 'racist' and 'sexist' abuse.
Barton initially reacted on X by accusing the 36-year-old of 'playing the victim card'.
But now, Barton seemingly feels sorry for what Aluko has gone through.
The ex-Manchester City and Newcastle star says it is the fault of TV companies for continuing to employ her.
Barton doesn't think Aluko, or some other women's pundits, have not received the 'correct training' to talk on the men's game.
Speaking on the Common Sense with Joey Barton podcast, he said: "Even Eni Aluko this week saying she was scared to go out the house, I have to take that at face value.
"I think she's been a really good women's footballer, but let's be honest she shouldn't be talking about the men's game, she's had ample opportunity and she's not got better.
"For me to hear her say this week in the video that her peer group are telling her she's doing really well...
"OK, well it's not her fault, then she's clearly not getting the correct training or help get better or the correct constructive feedback loops.
"So I actually don't blame Eni and I don't blame any of the girls.
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Joey Barton has taken aim at TV broadcasters for employing Eni Aluko
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"But if I'm an advocate for men's mental health, we have to think about young women's mental health as well.
"It can't be beneficial to these young ex-women footballers to be in positions and have to shut down their social media feeds for the amount of abuse they're getting for not knowing their onions.
"The lads can't not have a go at them, if you can't count, do basic arithmetic and if you can't describe what loads of lads are actually seeing.
Eni Aluko has worked for a number of TV channels in the UK
Getty
"They're going to get frustrated and say stupid stuff on social media and I don't think it's fair on the girls but they should not be in that position for it to happen.
"So who's the responsibility lie on? Does it lie on the social media networks to block out the noise?
"Does it lie on the broadcaster to take these people off the screens?"
