Of course Barton is innocent until proven guilty which doesn't stop me having a very low opinion of him but there needs to be some serious questions asked at rovers to release a statement like that?
With the press who are reporting on the rovers statement are omitting parts of the statement for legal reasons such as itv below, will thier statement leave them in a precarious legal position?
https://www.itv.com/news/westcountry/2021-07-27/rovers-joey-barton-will-not-lead-team-at-pre-season-game-after-assault-charge
https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bristol-rovers-release-statement-after-5702864
Refuge have also spoken out about their statement
https://www.refuge.org.uk/refuge-statement-on-joey-bartons-court-appearance/