Bristol Rovers manager Darrell Clarke has spoken out in defence of Isaac Hutchinson after the midfielder and his family were subjected to vile abuse following his loan move to Cheltenham Town.

Hutchinson, who joined Cheltenham on deadline day, shared clips on social media of an anonymous phone call targeting his fiancée with offensive remarks. Although the posts have since been removed, Hutchinson’s partner also publicly condemned the behaviour she was subjected to.

Rovers quickly released a statement describing the incident as “appalling,” and Clarke has now underlined that both the player and his family have the club’s full backing.

“Let’s be honest, it’s disgraceful,” Clarke said. “Sadly, this is society today. Sometimes it stinks. But Isaac knows he has our full support, as does his family. I’ve spoken with him personally, and the club has made its stance clear: we won’t tolerate this. I hope he settles well at Cheltenham and that his family are doing okay.”

Clarke went on to highlight the wider issue of online abuse, stressing that it is not just a football problem but a societal one.

“Social media has been an issue for years. Too many people hide behind phones and anonymous accounts. More needs to be done to hold people accountable. Every week you read about someone in football or elsewhere facing abuse. It has to stop.”

Rovers echoed that sentiment in their official statement:

“Bristol Rovers is appalled by abuse levelled towards Isaac Hutchinson and his family. The club has a zero-tolerance policy towards abuse of any kind. We will work with the EFL, the police, and other parties to identify those responsible. We also urge anyone who witnesses such behaviour to report it immediately.”

Hutchinson, 24, began his career at Derby County, making his league debut in 2021 before netting his first senior goal against Salford City in the EFL Cup. He later spent two productive years at Walsall, scoring 19 goals in 90 league appearances, before joining Rovers. His temporary switch to Cheltenham now offers him a new challenge—albeit under the shadow of an ordeal no player or family should face.