‘Laughable,’ ‘Is this a parody?’ – Many Sunderland fans react to Joey Barton assessment of Bristol Rovers clash

A number of Sunderland supporters have been reacting to comments made by Bristol Rovers manager suggesting that his side were denied a penalty during their 1-0 defeat against the Black Cats.

Sunderland managed to edge out struggling Rovers in what was a tight contest and a scrappy sort of game, with Aiden O’Brien turning home Aiden McGeady’s cross to score the only goal of the game. It was a vital win for the Black Cats and keeps them firmly in the hunt for the automatic promotion places and piles more pressure on Peterborough United and Hull City.

Lee Johnson’s side will feel they showed a lot of character and an ability to grind out tight matches even when they are not able to play at their best. That is the sign of a side that can go on to secure promotion back to the Championship during the remaining matches of the campaign.

Rovers felt aggrieved not have been awarded a penalty late on in the game when Luke O’Nien made an important challenge in the penalty area. However, the referee waved play on and the Black Cats were able to hang on to claim a potentially vital three points.

Sunderland quiz: 19 facts you may not know about the Stadium of Light – But are they true?

1 of 19

The Stadium Of Light is all-seater

True False

Speaking to the media after the game Barton suggested that his side were on the wrong end of another refereeing mistake and that he felt they were being unfairly treated by the officials at the moment. While he also made a comment over the size of the transfer fee the Black Cats paid for Charlie Wyke as a measure of the difference between the two clubs.

🗣️ Joey Barton reflects on this afternoon's defeat to @SunderlandAFC…#BristolRovers pic.twitter.com/QHHweV2uXL

— Bristol Rovers (@Official_BRFC) March 27, 2021

Many Sunderland fans could not understand the complaints of Barton and given the past history between the Rovers boss and the Black Cats they were quick to offer their reactions.

Here, we take a look at some of the best reactions on social media…

that’s the one joey blame the officials https://t.co/jW5bwej271

— JEN🐆 (@jennysafcx) March 27, 2021

Joey Barton claims here that League One officials have agenda against Bristol Rovers… 🤔

Also thoroughly enjoyed his salty comment about how much Sunderland paid for Charlie Wyke 🤣 https://t.co/eTVbhCJvId

— Matthew Crichton (@MattyCrichton) March 27, 2021

Bitter Barton strikes again https://t.co/nVttBINiGO

— Connor Swainston (@swainyFTM) March 27, 2021

Is this a parody? https://t.co/yOf66j8qXl

— Mathew Forth (@MathewForth) March 27, 2021

I've not heard anything as laughable as this in many a year https://t.co/biWNOAiDtC

— Joey Burton (@joey__burton__) March 27, 2021

Maybe I’m biased but I genuinely don’t know what he’s referring to with the stone wall penalty. O’Nien at the end? https://t.co/bxGTPPhx0T

— Tommy Sheerin (@TommySheerin) March 27, 2021

Has there ever been a game where a manager has not made an excuse against us? https://t.co/T1vbxczsQs

— Ben (@BenSAFC_) March 27, 2021