Bristol Rovers boss Joey Barton criticised over Holocaust remark following Newport County match

The comment came following the match at the Memorial Stadium on Saturday
Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton (Pic from Getty Images) Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton (Pic from Getty Images)
Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton (Pic from Getty Images)

Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton has received criticism for his comments comparing the Pirates’ inconsistency on the pitch to the holocaust.

This was a remark that has been described as “really offensive” and “appalling” by figures and groups in the city.

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Barton gave the comments following his side’s 3-1 home defeat to Newport County on 23 October.

Talking in his post match press conference, Barton was asked if his sides defence was capable of being more solid.

Barton responded by saying: "The team is almost like musical chairs. Someone gets in and does well, but then gets suspended. Someone gets in and does well, then gets injured.

"Someone gets in, does well for the game, then has a ‘holocaust’, a nightmare. You know, an absolute disaster."

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The Bristol Holocaust Memorial Day Steering Group said: "To compare the poor performance of a player or team to a Holocaust shows a lack of understanding of the true barbarism, torture and evil that was inflicted on vulnerable groups in society."

Bristol councillor Fabian Breckels, who is an associate member of the Jewish Labour Movement, labelled the remark “appalling” when talking to BBC West and called on the club to provide a response soon.

Barton has avoided any formal punishment for the comments and a fine or ban has been ruled out by the Football Association.

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