Dressing room bust-up in Pompey defeat

Paul Cook confirmed an ‘incident’ took place which led to Christian Burgess and Michael Doyle being taken off at the break.

The pair, two of the Blues’ most important and experienced players, were withdrawn as their side went on to lose 2-1 at Fratton Park.

Cook explained he felt he was forced into the changes as a result of what happened.

He said: ‘There has been an incident. I’m not going to insult Pompey fans’ intelligence.

‘There was obviously a problem at half-time to make two subs like that.

‘It affected the changes we can make. That’s the way it is.

‘Something has gone on at half time so we had to make those changes.

‘People want to win desperately and that sometimes can lead to our downfall.

‘There was an incident unfortunately which resulted in two of our mainstay players coming off.

‘They are vocal in what they do and sometimes that goes a little too far.

‘That will have an effect but I’m happy to take all the responsibility. That’s the way it is.’