Bristol Rovers winger Luke Thomas is set to spend a number of weeks on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury in Rovers’ defeat to Peterborough United on Saturday, with manager Joey Barton labelling the 24-year-old an ‘idiotic young boy’ for his involvement in conceding the second goal.
It is understood by Bristol Live that the midfielder will receive the results of his scan tomorrow, which could see the former England U20 international miss up to eight weeks of action.
Following their defeat at London Road, Barton surprisingly singled out the Soudley-born man as the main culprit behind conceding the second goal after the 24-year-old pulled up with his hamstring issue.
In the astonishing verbal attack, the former Fleetwood Town boss also expressed his desire to fine Thomas, whilst claiming he would speak to CEO Tom Gorringe about the situation.
Thomas, who was signed on a three-year contract in the summer from fellow League One rivals Barnsley, was hauled off by the 41-year-old in the immediate aftermath of the goal and replaced by Jevani Brown.
The injury adds to an ever-growing list for the Gas, who now have very limited options on the right-wing. Chelsea loanee Harvey Vale could provide the solution to their woes, however, the 20-year-old has appeared at left-back in the previous two fixtures.
Joey Barton’s post-match rant
“Their first goal was a deflected hit that went through a crowd of bodies and our keeper had no chance.
“Then to compound it one idiotic young boy – I can’t even call him a man – has compromised the team with his behavioural standards and we find ourselves 2-0 down with a mountain to climb.
“Unless we man up – and I know you have to be careful saying that in the modern era – and absolutely eradicate these weak, feeble-minded individuals that are currently inside our unit, we won’t get promoted out of this division.
“I wish I could fine him and pay for the travelling Gasheads’ tickets with it and I’ll be speaking to the CEO about that because it’s a ludicrous decision. He shouldn’t get paid this week for what he’s just done because he puts us 2-0 down.”
Writer’s View
It was one of the most remarkable and peculiar post-match interviews, with the decision by the club media not to post it on their accounts telling you all you need to know.
Thomas may have been naive to stay on the pitch, but there is a general consensus that he was not the main culprit for the goal, with experienced full-back Jack Hunt also getting caught out in the build up.
*Following the bizarre rant, 71% of voters on our Twitter poll believe it is time that Bristol Rovers remove Barton from his role*
