Joey Barton makes conspiracy theory claims after Bristol Rovers' defeat to Sunderland | Accrington boss' shock verdict on Peterborough hammering

The Gas have failed to pick up any sort of form since Barton was appointed head coach last month.

Rovers’ 1-0 loss to the third-placed Black Cats on Saturday means they’re winless in five matches and sit second bottom of the League One table.

Aiden O’Brien notched the only goal in the 39th minute at the Memorial Stadium to keep Sunderland firmly in the automatic promotion race.

Yet Barton felt the hosts should have been awarded a penalty late on which could have earned them a precious point.

The former Fleetwood chief also felt refereeing decisions didn’t go Rovers’ way in their loss to relegation rivals Swindon on Tuesday.

And he’s starting to wonder if there is a conspiracy theory plotting against his outfit.

Barton told the Gas’ website: ‘Yet again a big decision has gone against us and it's becoming a recurring theme.

‘I'll probably get an apology from Mike Jones (head of referees), I'll be on the phone to Mike again on a Sunday when I'm meant to be with my family.

‘I'm not sure what to do. There feels like there is a real agenda against us. The officials in the past seven, eight, nine games have been suspect and we just keep trying.

‘We should have four extra points on the board but due to poor officials making poor decisions, we don't have anything to show.