BRISTOL Rovers manager Joey Barton has hit back at comments made by Swindon Town head coach Ben Garner surrounding the Gas players being overly physical in last weekend’s 1-1 draw.

In a game where six yellow cards were handed out to men in yellow and green, Barton felt his players were treated “unfairly” by referee Tom Nield and suggested Garner’s reaction to the level of physicality from Rovers was perhaps down to the fact he never played professional football.

Post-match, Garner said Jonny Williams seemed to be “targeted” for fouls by the Rovers players and that Barton’s men repeatedly went after his players in an aggressive manner.

Speaking to Bristol Live in Friday morning’s pre-Walsall press conference, Barton responded to those comments.

He said: “I didn’t see that type of game. I thought our players were treated a little unfairly by the referee.

"I thought it was a good, honest contest and they were as guilty of fouling as we were. Both teams were trying to win.

"I considered myself quite a physical player who played quite physical, and no disrespect to Ben but he didn’t actually play football.

"Maybe if you’ve never played football, the game on Saturday might feel a bit aggressive, but to people who have played the game and played the game at a good level, that was just a good game of football."

Barton went on to say he was "proud" of the way his players approached the game and – with plans of reaching the League Two play-offs come May – has his sights set on facing Town again this term.

Barton said: “I’m disappointed to hear that, but I see that as a badge of honour. If our team are physical and putting it about for the shirt, that’s the minimum we can do.

"We’ve got a big away following going into a local derby against a team that’s above us in the table and beat us at home.

"I’m really proud that he said my players competed hard and I look forward, if we do manage to face them again this season, we can’t wait to get our hands on Swindon Town again.”