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SKY SPORTS pundit Jobi McAnuff was left stunned by Bolton’s antics after their play-off win against Barnsley.

The two sides went into last night’s League One semi-final looking to cement a spot in this month’s final at Wembley.

Bolton were criticised for their post-match celebrations after reaching the League One playoff final
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Bolton were criticised for their post-match celebrations after reaching the League One playoff finalCredit: Rex
Fans flooded the field after the 5-4 aggregate win over Barnsley
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Fans flooded the field after the 5-4 aggregate win over BarnsleyCredit: Rex
Some players went into the stands and drank beers to celebrate
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Some players went into the stands and drank beers to celebrateCredit: Sky Sports

Hosts Bolton won the first leg 3-1 but lost 3-2 in a dramatic second tie on Tuesday.

However, the result saw them emerge overall winners over Barnsley with a 5-4 aggregate score.

And they will now play either Peterborough or Oxford United to claim a spot in next season’s Championship.

At the final whistle, Bolton fans flooded the pitch to celebrate reaching the final.

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But instead of taking their celebrations inside, the players bizarrely stayed on the pitch to party too.

Several swigged beers and even climbed into the stands to toast their win alongside supporters.

And the scenes were reminiscent of a side that had already done the business in the upcoming final.

Former Championship star McAnuff was certainly not impressed with Bolton’s premature antics.

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He claimed it sent out the wrong message to their next opponent, showing that their minds were already one step ahead of the showpiece game at Wembley.

And McAnuff urged Bolton to play a more cautious hand in the future to avoid potential embarrassment.

Wigan and Bolton stars clash in huge brawl after feisty League One derby
Jobi McAnuff explained how Bolton's antics could be a huge boost to their final opponents
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Jobi McAnuff explained how Bolton's antics could be a huge boost to their final opponentsCredit: Sky Sports

McAnuff told Sky Sports: “I’m not too sure about this, I’ve got to say. My thing with this, and you might want to call it old school, you’ve still got work to do.

“Absolutely, go into the changing room, celebrate getting to the final. 

“But not up in the stands with beers in your hands. There’s still a massive game to come. 

“It just seems it feels that they have already got promoted. I personally would have liked to see that confined to the dressing room.

“A pat on the back, one step further than last year, which is a slight improvement on where they were.

“But the big job’s still to come and I’d be really wary and conscious of the message I’m sending out to my potential opponents who I play next.”

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