Bolton Wanderers chairman Phil Gartside has claimed that some of the club's supporters treated Dougie Freedman unfairly during his time in charge of the team.

Freedman left the club by mutual consent last Friday following his side's poor start to the new season, but he has been defended by the man who sanctioned his departure.

"Obviously we are in a results-driven business and we had to look at it in the short term and see whether it can be changed," Gartside told The Bolton News. "We need some points on the board that will help us avoid being in a relegation scrap.

"It fell on me to make that decision. I had a long conversation with him on Friday morning. I felt he was being treated unfairly by fans, and I don't think anyone should be subjected to that in any shape or form.

"There are not many businesses or professions where you would get that."

Bolton are currently bottom of the Championship with five points from 11 matches.