Pirates to probe Rigg assault

Bristol Rovers first-team coach Paul Trollope says the club will look into an alleged off-the-ball incident at Barrow.

The Pirates defeated the Conference North club 3-2 in the FA Cup first round at Holker Street, but not before striker Sean Rigg needed hospital treatment for a suspected broken jaw.

Television cameras showed Rigg was on the receiving end of a deliberate blow to the face from Barrow defender James Cotterill, forcing the youngster to leave the cup tie midway through the first half.

Trollope confirmed he will pursue the alleged incident involving Rigg further.

"He has a suspected broken jaw from an incident on the pitch that nobody saw," Trollope told the club's official website after the match.

"I can't really comment on it at this moment because I didn't see it, so I can only go on what people say.

"But obviously we, as a club, will be looking into that because that kind of behaviour has no part in a football match."

There were further unsavoury moments in the match on Saturday, as Rovers goalkeeper Steve Phillips had a coin thrown at him by Barrow fans from behind his own goal in the second half.