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Fleetwood Town manager Joey Barton has hit back at the “nonsense” that preceded Saturday’s game against Gillingham.
Steve Evans, the Gills manager, was furious with the EFL for letting Fleetwood travel to Kent without a test for Covid-19 after playing an Accrington side on Tuesday who subsequently had numerous members of their squad test positive for the virus.
Gillingham contacted the EFL to voice their concerns but were told to play the game. The match took place but extra measures were put in place at Priestfield. The visitors had to change in the old club shop, behind the Rainham End, while both benches were placed further apart. Even the visiting media team were kept apart.
Evans felt Fleetwood should have had their players and staff tested before they even travelled into Kent.
But visiting boss Barton said: “The nonsense had begun even before the game. They were trying to get it called off (on the morning of the game). When I heard that I thought 'great, you've just done my team talk for me'.
Fleetwood’s makeshift facilities were at the opposite end of the ground to the Gills. The changing rooms are usually side by side.
Barton said: “They launched us in the club shop with no showering facility. I think if people try to get you off your game then it’s a great sign of respect.
“I thought in the end we were relatively comfortable, as much you can be here (at Gillingham).”
Gillingham lost the game 2-0 , missing a number of chances having had a flurry of opportunities in the latter stages of the first half. They hit the woodwork twice, either side of the break.
Barton said: “I’m really pleased with the lads. In the end we were relatively comfortable, or as comfortable as you can be when you play against a professional outfit that plays for set plays and direct balls. It works for Steve and it’s been successful for him over the years.
“Gillingham were tough to play against. They’re a big, physical side and there’s no right or wrong way to play the game but at the end of the day it’s about getting results. Our group stood up to the examination."
Evans hit out at the EFL and Fleetwood over their handling of the situation leading up to the game but Barton defended their actions, saying: "We've got to comply with Covid protocols but we do so in as respectful a manner as we can with the opposition. Our protocols have been excellent.
"We've done everything we can to protect the wellbeing of everybody.”
He admitted they hadn’t been tested for Covid but added: “We follow every single procedure."
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