Barton, Benayoun in Twitter spat

Cape Town - This is what happens when two footballers start talking about one of the most heated topics in the history of the world.

Joey Barton is one of the more outspoken soccer players in the history of the game. Not afraid to wade into any topic despite his knowledge - or lack thereof - on the particular subject.

Yossi Benayoun is the captain of the Israel national team and took exception to Barton's comments on the conflict in Gaza.

A Twitter war or "T'war"ensued...

The tweet that started the spat:

If this was anybody else but Israel the West would intervene. It cannot continue. Innocent children being slaughtered. This must stop.

— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) July 25, 2014

Benayoun's response:

@Joey7Barton mate things can never changed you have been stupid and you will stay stupid all your life..embarrassing .

— Yossi Benayoun (@YossiBenayoun15) July 25, 2014

Joey's first reply:

@YossiBenayoun15 Firstly, you cannot call somebody stupid with such bad grammar. Secondly, you cannot and should not kill innocent children.

— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) July 25, 2014

His second:

@YossiBenayoun15 Thirdly, you cannot remove people from their land because a fictional book from thousands of years ago tells you can.

— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) July 25, 2014

Mr Barton's third and final reply:

@YossiBenayoun15 Last but not least, I hope you and your family are safe and well and remain so through this terrible time. xx

— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) July 25, 2014

It is doubtful whether the pair will be exchanging pleasantries the next time they meet...