Former Bristol Rovers boss Joey Barton targets Match of the Day host Gary Lineker with disgust X

Former Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton has branded Gary Lineker a “virtue-signalling scoundrel” following his criticism of Borussia Dortmund’s latest sponsorship deal.

Ahead of the Champions League final at Wembley, the German club recently announced a three-year sponsorship deal with arms manufacturer Rheinmetall. Rheinmetall’s logo will feature on Dortmund’s licensed merchandise ahead of their match against Real Madrid.

Dortmund hope to secure their second Champions League title as they return to the London venue 11 years after their last final defeat. Lineker, who has long covered the Champions League, reacted to Dortmund’s announcement by saying: “For the first time I will be cheering for Real Madrid in a Champions League final.”

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The Manchester Evening News reports how Barton questioned Lineker’s moral standing after he pointed out how he had presented coverage in Qatar and Russia – the host nations of the last two World Cups – and suggested he would continue to go to divisible countries in the future.

Barton replied: “Yet you still took money from the Qataris for the World Cup. Did you also work with Russia? And I bet if the Saudis get the next one, your legs will be all over that too. **.”

After being sacked as Rovers boss in October 2023, Barton became increasingly outspoken on social media and followed the likes of Gary Neville and a host of people associated with women’s football.

Dortmund will arrive at Wembley as underdogs despite impressive wins over Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain on their journey to the final. Real Madrid, who won the Champions League title just two years ago, are looking to secure their 15th European victory.

Jude Bellingham will lead the way for Real Madrid, while Manchester United loanee Jadon Sancho is likely to get the nod after an impressive loan spell at Dortmund. Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti remarked: “A Champions League final is the most important game and the most dangerous.

“You have to be a bit lucky, play well and never let your guard down, but when you get to the ultimate success it’s so close that you start to worry.”