Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton faces calls to apologise after sparking outrage with his use of the term Holocaust in post-match analysis at the weekend. 

Speaking after his side’s  3-1 defeat to Newport County on Saturday, Mr Barton told reporters: "I said to the lads during the week, 'the team's almost like musical chairs'.

"Someone gets in and does well but then gets suspended or injured. 

"Someone gets in for a game, does well but then has a Holocaust, a nightmare, an absolute disaster."

The Telegraph reported on Monday evening that the Football Association did not deem the comments an aggravated breach of its rules, with the body also ruling out a fine or ban. 

However, Shoah educators and others reacted with anger this week. 

Holocaust Educational Trust chief Karen Pollock slammed the “inappropriate comparison” as she noted that “a bad football match is nothing like the Holocaust.”

Bristol councillor Fabian Breckels condemned Mr Barton’s “appalling” comment and called on the manager to “consider his future” with the team in remarks on BBC West.

Both Mr Barton and his club also faced calls to apologise, with the Bristol Holocaust Memorial Day Steering Group stating it was “saddening” neither had done so.

Also wading in, Dame Helen Hyde, National Holocaust Centre and Museum, told BBC West that “the Holocaust was not a game.”

She added: "I don't think Mr Barton knows what the word means and he is certainly not aware of the huge sadness and offence he has caused. Might I suggest he is encouraged to learn about these tragic events."

The Bristol Rovers were contacted for comment.