Yes, Barton is a complete bell-end, though at the core of this issue is the relevance of "lived experience". That is a concept that is used a great deal to justify the need (for example) to have female / minority representation of one sort or another in different contexts. I happen to think it is stating the obvious to say IT IS relevant to being "an expert" or well-informed, or having a nuanced, rounded view on some issues, if not the be all, and end all.
In relation to football, by way of example, turning to a female pundit to ask about the pressure of taking a penalty in a men's WC knock-out game is, in one sense clearly soliciting a less informed opinion, than turning to a man who has actually been in that situation. Doesn't mean it's irrelevant or worthless, or that the Barton's views and the way's he's expressing them are defensible.
Barton is a kicking post and an objectionable guy, but people should try and understand the concept that's being debated, it's wider use or application beyond football, and try to discuss in a reasonable fashion.