Joey Barton claimed Bristol Rovers’ 2-0 defeat to Portsmouth was almost exclusively decided by the officials as the Gas manager was not only incensed by Colby Bishop’s contentious opener but a string of big decisions that went against his side.
Barton was booked at half-time for his protestations towards referee James Bell, after coaches Andy Mangan and Glenn Whelan were also cautioned, following Bishop’s 18th minute goal in which the Pompey striker easily got behind the Rovers defence, so much so he looked clearly offside.
Assistant referee Ian Cooper, though, kept his flag down for Bishop to score past James Belshaw - the ball hitting both posts before crossing the line - and the Gas were on the back foot and having to chase the game thereafter.
