John Barnes: 'Liam Neeson deserves a medal'

Ex-footballer John Barnes has praised Liam Neeson for speaking the 'truth' about his feelings after the actor admitted that he wanted to 'kill a black man' after a close friend of his was raped.

The actor - who was speaking in an interview with the Independent - revealed that he walked the streets armed with a weapon, hoping to be approached so that he could lash out.

The Hollywood actor’s comments have brought an angry reaction on social media, with some people calling for a boycott of his films.

[rajbeekie]

This man is making way too much sense. He will not be invited again.

[DanielRomero]

WE NEED MORE PEOPLE LIKE JOHN BARNES PLEASE.

[karaloca]

I don’t think this interview went quite as they imagined.

[ItsLloydM]

One of the best intellectual beat downs I've ever seen. Barnes with a flawless victory, a fatality, and a brutality all in one.

[Cimlite]

News anchor: *"We don't want to spin it"* - _Proceeds to try and spin it_

[gareththompson]

John Barnes is never afraid to speak truthfully.

[mrali]

Thank God for people like John Barnes. He’s excellent at showing a voice of reason in a dizzy world of media spin.

[stephenhoggarth]

Probably the most sense I have seen a footballer speak, ever. With passion and not letting the interviewer steer the conversation.

[TFxCaptainRex]

I wish I had a friend who would stand up for me the same way John Barnes stood up for Liam Neeson

[dyhppyx]

Thank God an intelligent person understands the context

[octopuie]

Dude, this guy. Phenomenal. I'm interested in his mind, his heart and experiences in life that shaped him to be such way. Cool-headed, detailed, responsible with words and have a sense of -- and obligation towards -- justice.

[aldozilli]

I bloody loved John Barnes as a footballer and I love him even more as a person.

[kakarroto]

This man is spitting the fire of truth.

[mitchryan]

John Barnes has exposed the media. Fair play.

[ZimaBlue]

This man speaks like he played football. Pure class. Intelligent and powerful!!!

[padders]

This interview is spot on. No one is perfect and people change for the better. They should be applauded for it, not punished.

[madridstacityfan]

News Reporter *sweating*
“Why is he speaking sense”

[Buzz-hfjl]

As a black person that is the best bit of common sense i have heard since this became a media witch hunt and the interviewer really had nowhere to go Well done John and YES i will be watching Liams movies.

[mrmervinjminky]

John Barnes has always been a top bloke, a very smart and nice man, respect to him.

[shockwave]

I stopped watching mainstream media 6 years ago and I feel so much more love for the world