Bristol Rovers will contest the FA's charge against coach Andy Mangan after the first-team coach was accused of an alleged homophobic comment towards a member of the Plymouth Argyle staff during the half-time interval of the Gas' 2-2 draw in October.
First-team coach Mangan is said to be deeply hurt by the allegation, has categorically denied saying the slur, and in a statement issued on Thursday, Rovers claim they were "astonished" by the charge as there is no evidence to support the accusation.
Bristol Live understands it surrounds an incident during Joey Barton's half-time team talk, when Mangan and captain Paul Coutts caught a member of Plymouth's matchday staff allegedly filming around the back door of the Rovers changing room. When confronted after the game by members of Barton's team, Plymouth's coaching staff denied the individual was under instruction from anyone.
When contacted by Bristol Live, Plymouth have declined to comment on the incident.
Rovers drew with Plymouth in a feisty League One clash at the Mem, with the Gas coming back from two goals down to draw 2-2. There had been tension before and after the game following comments by Barton towards Plymouth technical director Neil Dewsnip, his former coach while at Everton's academy in his teens.
Mangan has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3, which surrounds comments that bring the game into disrepute or can be seen as abusive. It’s claimed that the 36-year-old’s, “language and/or behaviour towards a Plymouth Argyle staff member during half-time was abusive and/or insulting”.
The FA also further state that the incident is categorised as an “aggravated breach… as they include a reference whether express, or implied, to sexual orientation," with the punishment ranging from a fine to a lengthy touchline ban, if found guilty. But Rovers insist Mangan has done no wrong.
"Bristol Rovers can confirm that first-team coach Andy Mangan will be challenging the FA’s decision to charge him, with the club’s full support," the club said in a statement. "All parties were astonished when informed yesterday that Mr Mangan was being charged under rule E3.2, given the lack of any evidence to support the allegation.
"Mr Mangan considers the allegation, which he strongly denies, to be utterly false, and the homophobic conduct alleged to be completely reprehensible. He is aggrieved that the FA has decided to bring a charge, given the baselessness of the claim.
"He looks forward, nonetheless, to clearing his name and hopes that the FA will take an early opportunity to withdraw the charge.
"Bristol Rovers stands against all forms of homophobia and is committed to being fully inclusive for all."
Mangan is a long-term ally and friend of manager Barton with the pair having known each other since school days. He was named part of Barton’s coaching staff when he took the Rovers job in February 2021 and has remained a fixture in his backroom staff as it’s evolved over the last 22 months.
The former Forest Green Rovers and Wrexham striker, who is undertaking his UEFA Pro License, undergoes media duties when the manager is unavailable, and led the Gas in his absence during a Papa Johns Trophy tie at Plymouth earlier in the season.
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