Barton defends Glenn Whelan after flashpoint at Portsmouth

DEFENDING: Bristol Rovers Manager, Joey Barton during the Sky Bet League One match at the KCOM Stadium, Kingston upon Hull. Photo credit: Richard Sellers/PA Wire.

Joey Barton has defended Glenn Whelan after the former Ireland midfielder was involved in a challenge which led to a suspected double leg fracture for Portsmouth’s Louis Thompson.

Whelan was retained by his ex-Manchester City teammate Barton after helping Bristol Rovers gain promotion to League One.