Joey Barton Faces Backlash Over 'Moronic' Claim About Charlie Kirk's Death

Joey Barton says Charlie Kirk's assassination will be remembered as a 'bigger moment in history' than the death of Martin Luther King.

Right-wing influencer Kirk was shot dead in front of thousands of people on September 10.

The 31-year-old was speaking to students at Utah University about mass shootings when he was shot in the neck.

The event was part of his 'prove me wrong' series, which saw him visit campuses across the country and debate contentious subjects like gun control, free speech and abortion rights with left-wing students.

The magnitude of his assassination spilled into the world of sports, with prominent figures sharing their thoughts on the political activist.

Charlie Sheen revealed what UFC commentator Joe Rogan did after learning of Kirk's death, while Stephen A. Smith hit back at critics after being told to apologise for his stance.

Joey Barton has come under fire for his take on Charlie Kirk's death. Image: Getty

Controversial ex-Premier League player Barton has also weighed in on Kirk's death and has delivered a bold take in the process.

He believes Kirk's death will be remembered as a 'bigger moment in history' than the time King himself was assassinated

Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former Manchester City and Newcastle United midfielder explained: "I felt that Charlie Kirk getting killed is a bigger moment - a more seismic moment - in history than Martin Luther King getting killed.

"It will be remembered by our kids and maybe their kids as a seismic moment, similar to - but I think way above - Martin Luther King."

His co-host replied: "I think we don't know [right] now. I think we'll know in about five years."

Joey Barton claims Charlie Kirk's assassination will be remembered as a 'bigger moment in history' than the death of Martin Luther King. Image: Getty

To which Barton replied: "No, I'll tell you the reasons why. He [Kirk] was 31-years-old, obviously Martin Luther King was 53-years-old or whatever.

"You think about Nelson Mandela went through but both of these people are criminals. Both of those people had committed acts of terrorism.

"Martin Luther King has got big issues in the background if you read deeply into him... his adultery, his sex life and prostitution."

Needless to say, the 43-year-old faced backlash for his comments as many fans called out his 'moronic' take as they also pointed out that King died aged 39 and not, like Barton said, at 53.