Ross Barkley took that punch like a girl – that’s the opinion of his former manager David Moyes, speaking to Football Burp while clearly inebriated.

CCTV footage has surfaced of the Everton midfielder getting lamped in a club last night in what his lawyer has described as “a traditional Scouse unprovoked attack”.

Police are investigating the incident, but one man already with a hardened conclusion is Sunderland boss Moyes.

Swaying drunkenly while waving around a bottle of Bell’s whisky, he said: “If you ask me, Ross took that punch like a massive fanny.

“Don’t get me wrong – just because he’s a massive fanny, doesn’t mean he should get routinely punched to the ground on nights out.

“I’m equal opportunities, me – I believe you should punch and slap everyone, regardless of race, creed or gender.

“Duncan Ferguson and I used to punch each other in the face to say hello every morning before training. It was our little thing.

“So don’t be under the impression that I’d only condone punching massive fannies like Ross who take a punch like a girl.

“And I don’t mean ‘girl’ in a derogatory way, so don’t go printing that I’m a misogynist or anything. ‘Cause I’m not.

“Am I sacked yet?”