Rovers offer ‘no comment’ over Barton

analogy demonstrated a “lack of knowledge” and Karen Pollock, the chief executive of Holocaust Educational Trust charity, added: “A bad football match is nothing like the Holocaust, this is clearly an inappropriate comparison – it is why our work is so important.”

The BBC, Jewish News, Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail, Talksport, The Sun and Daily Star have all since carried the story, all being told “no comment” from Rovers in the process.

Barton’s choice of language has also been widely condemned by Rovers fans across social media, with owner Wael Al-Qadi and the club’s commercial director Tom Gorringe tagged in a number of messages calling for the manager to be dismissed or, at the very least, an explanation provided.

As first reported by the Daily Telegraph, Barton will not be subject to sanctions from the FA, who have investigated matters, but deemed the comments to not constitute an aggravated breach of its rules.

Since taking charge at Rovers in February, a theme of his tenure has been unconditional backing from owner Al-Qadi, pictured, with the manager leading a series of changes behind the scenes over the summer, including at boardroom level.

Barton is scheduled to hold his usual pre-match press conference at The Quarters on Friday before the trip to Yorkshire, with the club 18th in League Two.

Despite Rovers poor form to start the season, Al-Qadi’s backing for Barton is yet to waver. Whether such coverage in the national press tests his resolve remains to be seen.

■ BOXING: Dillian Whyte has his sights set on a fight with Tyson Fury despite pulling out of his scheduled bout with Otto Wallin at the weekend with a shoulder issue.

“Its’ a no-brainer – Tyson Fury is considered the best heavyweight ever,” Whyte said.