Darrell Clarke and Michael Flynn condemns the ‘disgraceful’ abuse towards player Isaac Hutchinson and his family.
Bristol Rovers put out a statement on Tuesday, saying the club were appalled by abuse levelled towards the 25 year old and his family.
“The Club is firm in our zero-tolerance policy towards abuse of any kind. We will work closely with the relevant parties, including the EFL and the police, to identify the individuals involved.
“We would also urge anyone who sees, witnesses or experiences such behaviour to report it to the respective platform and the authorities immediately.”
Hutchinson, who signed a three-year deal with Bristol Rovers, from Walsall last summer, has joined Cheltenham Town on loan for the rest of the 2025-26 season.
The videos of Isaac Hutchinson and his fiancé Kate are just horrific. No football player, or their family, deserve to have such awful words thrown at them – be it on the pitch or at home.
Time to show Isaac and Kate what Cheltenham is all about and get behind him ❤️
— Her Game Too Cheltenham Town FC (@HerGameToo_CTFC) September 2, 2025
The videos of Isaac Hutchinson and his fiancé Kate are just horrific. No football player, or their family, deserve to have such awful words thrown at them – be it on the pitch or at home.
Time to show Isaac and Kate what Cheltenham is all about and get behind him ❤️
— Her Game Too Cheltenham Town FC (@HerGameToo_CTFC) September 2, 2025
Darrell Clarke said to BBC Radio Bristol: “It’s disgraceful.
“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.”
“Isaac’s got our full support, and the family.
“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 head coach Michael Flynn also to Hutchinson about the abuse, adding: “It’s the sick part of football, there’s no place for it.
“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.”
Flynn recalled being abused by a small group of Cheltenham fans when with his family after a recent home game, with the club winless in six games.
“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.”
The Robins Trust and Bristol Rovers Supporters Club said: “The board of the Robins Trust and the committee of the Bristol Rovers Supporters Club stand together in support of Isaac Hutchinson and his family.
“We are appalled to see the abuse aimed at Isaac and those close to him.
“As West Country neighbours our two clubs have enjoyed a friendly, competitive and good-natured relationship over many years.
“Isaac will be the latest in a long line of players to have proudly worn both the blue and white of Rovers and red and white of the Robins.
“We are certain that virtually every single supporter of both clubs is horrified that Isaac and his fiancé have suffered this abuse.
“To the individual who thought this was acceptable, you do not speak for us.”
Twitter users reacted as Darrell Clarke and Michael Flynn condemns the ‘disgraceful’ abuse towards Isaac Hutchinson and his family…
@rjsportsreports: Ban anyone found guilty
@bs4_gas: Certain lines you don’t cross. This person isn’t a rovers fan.
@Not606_TheGas: I hope the person can be traced and dealt with. This is totally unacceptable. @hutchisaac I apologise to you and your partner. Not all Rovers fans are like this. Hopefully you will be treated better at Cheltenham.
@McDavyFace: Glad the club is raising awareness of this but feel more should be done. Look at comments to official posts on here and just block the aggressive language aimed at any individuals. Let’s not continue to normalise so much abuse. 🙏
@charlie_hayne96: Ban & name the scum. People thinking it’s okay wanting Isaac dead & abusing his family, absolutely disgusting. #UTG
@ameliaxgage: Our ‘fans’ are something else. It’s bad enough harassing a player with hate comments but harassing his family members, calling his fiancé saying such vile things, it’s absolutely disgusting. They for sure ain’t one of us, so sorry you’re going through this 💙 @hutchisaac
@FinchyP77: Absolutely disgusting cowardly behaviour. Probably doesn’t have the balls to say it face to face. Come on Gasheads let’s get him named & shamed & banned for life #UTG
@DanMindInSport: So angry about this! Could have been an important player for Rovers this season, but the constant harassing and abuse of him and his family has been disgraceful. What happened yesterday to his partner is shocking and sickening. Pray they find who done this and ban them for life!
@FPLGas76: The scumbag needs to be found and punished for this disgusting behaviour. Not someone we went associate in any way with our wonderful club. All the best to Issac and his family. 💙
Also – the reporting lines need to be stated!!!
So here they are:
Matchdays – text 07451 288910, report to a club steward or use the general email enquiries@bristolrovers.co.uk
— Caz (@cazjmay) September 2, 2025
