BURY goalkeeper Dean Kiely today hit back at claims he made rude gestures at rival fans on Saturday.

"If I'm guilty of anything it is possibly of being sarcastic," said the 25-year-old.

Police are investigating accusations from Bristol Rovers supporters that Kiely - who had been subjected to spitting and coin throwing from visiting supporters - made alleged hand gestures after Bury scored a last minute winner at Gigg Lane.

Shakers chairman Terry Robinson immediately jumped to his defence and Bury fans who witnessed the incident have offered to back up the classy keeper's claims of innocence.

"All I did was put my hands to my ears and I cannot see how that could have been seen as a rude gesture," he said.

"After what happened I would like to have a pair of pockets fitted in my shorts so nothing can be misconstrued." Meanwhile, striker Rob Matthews is the latest victim of Bury's injury plagued season. He missed last night's lucky 1-1 draw at Wrexham with a groin strain picked up during his best performance for the Shakers on Saturday.

Bury's punishment for their worst display of the season was to miss out on their day off today with disappointed boss Stan Ternent fuming: "Everything was poor by our standards and we have to play a lot better than that if we are going to be a force to be reckoned with.

"The endeavour and committment was there - as it always is with my players - but it was channelled in the wrong direction.

"We are back in today and we will be working towards Saturday at Bournemouth."

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