Rigg was left with a double fracture of the jaw after the incident.

"We would like to send our best wishes to Sean for a speedy recovery and apologise to him and Bristol Rovers for the injury," said a Barrow statement.

"The club would like to emphasise that they deem violent conduct by any Barrow player totally unacceptable."

Rovers were furious with Cotterill as Rigg now faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines following the off-the-ball incident, which was captured by television cameras.

We are also shocked that no action has yet been taken against the player Bristol Rovers chairman Geoff Dunford

Chairman Geoff Dunford has called on the Football Association to take action.

"We are also shocked that no action has yet been taken against the player in question - but we have received no contact from the FA," Dunford said.

"The video evidence is there for everyone to see, and we have made the club lawyers available to Sean for advice on how to deal with the matter."

In a separate incident, Rovers goalkeeper Steve Phillips was the target of a fan throwing a coin at him and Cumbria police have launched an investigation.

"A coin was thrown from the Holker Street end towards the Bristol Rovers goalkeeper, which narrowly missed him," said a spokesman.

"Police treat such incidents very seriously.