Darren Ferguson has clarified his post-match comments after Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Plymouth Argyle.
The Rovers boss was critical of the officials after the game, feeling key decisions went against his side.
He said: “When asked after the game what I personally could do to raise standards, I said: ‘What can I do? Shoot them?’ Although clear to everyone in the room that my comment was a tongue-in-cheek response, it is worth clarifying my comments were borne out of frustration and I absolutely do not advocate violence against officials.
“I am sorry for that comment and regret the wording, but as was clear from my post-match comments I felt the referee got some decisions wrong at key moments in the game.
“Referees have a tough job and I have a lot of respect for the challenges they face, but I would like to see more done to raise standards across the board and give them the best chance of getting decisions right.”