Ryan Gilligan was angry at being substituted at Hartlepool

Northampton Town manager Stuart Gray has denied claims that Ryan Gilligan threw a punch at a member of the club's coaching team.

It is alleged the 22-year-old midfielder became involved in a run-in with Jim Barron after being substituted in Friday's 2-0 defeat at Hartlepool.

"It wasn't bad at all," Gray told BBC Radio Northampton.

"Ryan just kicked a bottle in his frustration, and the fourth official got involved," he added.

"It was just an argument, that's all. No punches were thrown and it's sorted now.

"Ryan was frustrated and disappointed, as we all were. We dominated the game possession-wise but gifted them a couple of goals," said Gray.

The result left the Cobblers in 15th place in League One, ahead of next Saturday's game against Crewe at Sixfields.

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