Joe Barton Responds to Wayne Rooney’s Conspiracy Theory about 2012 Title Race

Joe Barton has publicly criticized Wayne Rooney’s recent claims that Manchester City’s dramatic 2012 Premier League victory was manipulated. Barton, who was on the pitch during the final match, defended the integrity of that game, stating that City’s win was legitimate.

On the final day of the season, QPR, wearing Barton’s colors, fought hard to avoid relegation, ultimately losing 3-2 to City in a match famous for Sergio Aguero’s winning goal in stoppage time. City’s victory clinched their first top-flight title in more than four decades, while Manchester United, Rooney’s team, narrowly missed out.

Rooney had questioned the outcome, suggesting that QPR players purposefully delayed and possibly threw the game, claiming “the game was bent.” He pointed out that some players seemed to have given up after conceding an early goal and insinuated that City’s winning goals might have involved collusion.

In a fiery interview, Barton refuted Rooney’s accusations, emphasizing that the team’s efforts were genuine. “Not all QPR players knew they were safe from relegation,” Barton explained, addressing Rooney’s assertion that some players intentionally lost the match. “I can hear our team shouting from the sidelines—we wanted to stay up, just like everyone else.”

Barton also criticized Rooney directly, calling his conspiracy claims “nonsense” and accusing him of wanting to believe in false narratives. “The game was not rigged,” Barton asserted, adding, “City deserved their title, and Manchester United did not.”

He further dismissed Rooney’s criticisms of individual players, emphasizing that the match’s outcome was a result of genuine effort by both sides. Barton closed by expressing his happiness that City won the league and highlighting the emotional reactions of United fans, making it clear he still harbors a strong rivalry with Manchester United.

Joe Barton has dismissed Rooney’s conspiracy allegations, insisting the final match was played fairly.