Hutchinson abuse 'disgraceful' - Rovers boss Clarke

Isaac Hutchinson (centre) joined Bristol Rovers from Walsall in the summer of 2024

Abuse of Bristol Rovers midfielder Isaac Hutchinson is "disgraceful" and "more needs to be done" to stop it, says Pirates head coach Darrell Clarke.

The club put out a statement on Tuesday saying they were working with the English Football League and the police to identify people sending abuse to Hutchinson and his family.

The 25-year-old signed for Cheltenham Town on loan for the remainder of the 2025-26 season on transfer deadline day.

"It's disgraceful," Clarke told BBC Radio Bristol.

"It's a society problem, it's a social media problem that's been there for numerous years. More needs to be done on that aspect of it, people can hide behind phones or messages. I don't think it's just a football thing."

Darrell Clarke said we need to 'eradicate' abuse from the world but can't see it going anywhere soon

Hutchinson joined the Gas on a three-year deal from Walsall last summer and has played 51 games during that time, including eight this season.

"Isaac's got our full support, and the family," Clarke added.

"I've touched base with Isaac and you can see with the club statement none of that will be tolerated, [it is not] what we want to hear or see.

"We need to eradicate it out of the world but I can't see it going anywhere soon."

Cheltenham boss Michael Flynn said the abuse players suffer 'is a disgrace'

Cheltenham head coach Michael Flynn previously worked with Hutchinson at the Saddlers before bringing him to Gloucestershire.

He said he had spoken to Hutchinson about the abuse.

"It's the sick part of football, there's no place for it," Flynn added.

"He's a really nice kid, Isaac. He's a nice grounded lad who will fit in really well here and I'm sorry that he's had to go through that.

"I know he still sees a future there at Bristol Rovers. He's come here to play, to get going again and he's a good player to have around.

"People are entitled to their views but there's no need to get personal - some of the stuff is a disgrace."

'My 10-year-old son, it broke his heart'

Flynn, himself, was a victim of abuse when he was targeted by a small section of Cheltenham fans while with his family after a recent home game, during their current run of six games without a win.

"I fully get the frustration, but I don't use it as a get out of jail free card to go and abuse people," he added.

"I'm frustrated, the players are frustrated, the fans have got every right to be frustrated and I agree with them.

"But it is a lot easier these days to be cruel than kind. A lot of players, a lot of people, a lot of managers, wives - my 10-year-old son a couple of weeks back, it broke his heart, he hasn't left my side for 10 days.

"You could see it affects [people] a lot bigger than they think they're achieving or trying to achieve, and that is the downside."