League 2 star man Jodi Jones has called for more protection from officials after picking up a serious injury against Gillingham.

The Notts County forward was named PFA League 2 player-of-the-year last season after providing 24 assists and scoring eight goals but his current campaign for the promotion chasers has stalled after being injured in their game against the Gills last weekend.

Jones, 26, had already scored four goals this season but was injured late on in the game at Meadow Lane when the Gills went there and ended the Nottingham club’s unbeaten start to the season, winning 1-0 courtesy of Elliott Nevitt’s goal.

Notts now say Jones is “unavailable until the new year” after sustaining a fracture to his shin bone following a 91st-minute tackle.

The League 2 side said: “The winger couldn’t continue after receiving a heavy challenge in our recent league fixture against Gillingham and scans have revealed that he is facing a spell on the sidelines.”

​​​​​​Jones himself hit out at what he feels are “free hits” against him.

The ball-winning challenge from Gillingham forward Jacob Wakeling didn’t warrant a card by referee Lee Swaby at the time.

Notts fans had already been upset over a goal ruled out for offside and a penalty shout that was waved away.

Jones posted a message on social media, saying: “Everybody knows how much I love football and what it means to me, so any period off of the pitch absolutely kills me.

“It hurts that little bit more when I’m constantly asking for more protection and for opposition players to not be allowed constant free hits.

“Unfortunately this is something that gets brushed aside and results in time off the pitch.”