Dale have banned arm wrestling after Thorpe's injury (Getty)

Rochdale forward Lee Thorpe broke his arm in three places while arm wrestling on the team bus as it headed to Darlington on Saturday.

The 32-year-old, who was already injured and out of contention with a dead leg, is waiting for an operation.

Striker Chris Dagnall told BBC Radio Manchester: "There was a bit of banter on the bus and one or two lads thought it'd be funny to have an arm wrestle.

"Unfortunately Rene Howe and Lee had an arm wrestle and he broke his arm."

He added: "Everyone on the bus heard the snap, it was that loud. He's got Rene Howe to blame for that."