‘Bad officiating’: Joey Barton slams referee in Bristol Rovers defeat to Accrington

Joey Barton believes travelling Bristol Rovers were shortchanged after a 2-0 defeat to Accrington Stanley, which was clouded by a controversial handball decision. Tommy Leigh and Ryan Astley both scored in the second-half with the Gas remaining winless at the Wham Stadium.

In the build-up to Leigh's opener, Rosaire Longelo plays in a ball over the top to Harvey Rodgers, who controls the ball and the ball eventually ends in the net as the goal scorer scuffs his shot underneath James Belshaw. From his view, Barton deemed it ‘blatant’ as it ultimately played a factor in his sides loss.

Despite the defeat, Rovers remain in eighth and are still only three points off of the League One play-offs ater Barnsley's defeat to Charlton. Form has dipped slightly though with just two wins in their last five matches, tasting defeat on the three other occasions.

“You have to give them credit,” admitted Barton in his post match assessment with BBC Radio Bristol. They played the conditions well and it obviously helps when the officials give you a leg up like that.

“I could see it from where I was, he has seen it himself, he knows. I’ve got to be careful what I say because the FA love fining me. Our fans have paid a right few quid to get up here and the referee swings the contest with a blatant handball leading to a goal you’re ever likely to see in professional football.

“Tough afternoon. We must be better. Look back to the drawing board, we need some players in, we’ve got a bit of work to do in the market. We’re right in the mix. 57 points for us to play for.”

A social media clip emerged of Barton making his way down the touchline in the 83rd minute, moments after Astley had doubled the home sides lead. Rovers had sought clarification as to how the goal stood and was given an explanation by the referee, who deemed the goal legit.

“Hopefully we can get compotent officials who know the laws of the game,” Barton said. “He’s had the law book out to me saying the handball in the box because it wasn’t delibarate and because it wasn’t the player that scored the goal that is okay. Why would we not advise our players then to handle it to each other?”

“Let’s have a game of Volleyball or Basketball. The reason it’s called football is you’re not allowed to use your hands. Standing in there with his rulebook out.

“He’ll sail off now in to the unaccountable sunset of being a referee having shortchanged the fans here of what was a fair contest. Accrington won’t care as they are fighting for their lives but our fans have been shortchanged today by a really bad officiating team.”