Crisps stopping play is a new experience for Fleetwood Town boss Joey Barton

It was the first time in Joey Barton's football career that crisps had stopped play and the Fleetwood Town boss was satisfied with his side's professionalism in their 0-0 draw at the Valley.
Crisps on the pitch at the ValleyCrisps on the pitch at the Valley
Crisps on the pitch at the Valley

Town picked up their second clean sheet of the week after beating Scunthorpe 5-0 on Wednesday.

But it was a game that was caught up in controversy.

It was in just the first minute when play had to be halted as the Addicks fans threw packets of crisps onto the pitch.

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They had staged their latest protest before the game outside the Valley too the Addicks supporters unhappy with how Belgian owner Roland Duchatelet is running the club.The packets had been distributed by fan coalition group Campaign Against Roland Duchatelet (CARD).The League One game was delayed by a minute while the playing surface was cleared.

And for boss Barton it was important his side remained focused.

When asked about it he said: "I've had many things happen in a weird and wonderful career but never have I had a game stopped via crisps.

"It is none of my business.

"I am the manager of Fleetwood Town.

"There is clearly discontent in the stadium but we had to make sure our boys were switched on.

"Because it can be distracting.

"I get the reasons for it.

"I can understand it but also it is none of our business.

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"We have just got to stay professional, stay focused and we control what we control.

"I felt we did that.

"It was not an easy fixture today with that going on in the background.

"But I thought we were thoroughly professional in seeing the game out and we probably should have won the game with the last counter-attack (from Paddy Madden)."

And Barton praised his men for back-to-back clean sheets.

He said: "The lads deserve enormous credit because I thought to a man they were excellent, with a little bit of composure or if we found a keeper (Dillon Phillips) in a little bit less form then we would have been leaving with three points from the Valley, which is a very difficult place to come."