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Man charged with shouting homophobic and racist abuse at Priestfield during match between Gillingham and Exeter City

14:08, 11 March 2023

updated: 14:09, 11 March 2023

A spectator has been charged after allegedly shouting homophobic and racist abuse at a Gillingham football match.

The 19-year-old from Dartford was arrested after being ejected from the club's Priestfield Stadium during a Carabao Cup tie against Exeter City earlier this season.

A man has been charged over alleged abuse at a Gillingham cup tie. Picture: Keith Gillard
A man has been charged over alleged abuse at a Gillingham cup tie. Picture: Keith Gillard

In addition to two public order offences, he is also accused of being drunk at a sports ground during a sporting event and failing to comply with a Football Banning Order.

The teen was released on bail following his arrest at the match on August 23, but has now been summoned to appear before Maidstone Magistrates' Court on April 17.

A second man who was also arrested at the same time will face no further action.

Supt Elena Hall said: "Kent Police has a strong working relationship with football clubs throughout the county and we support them in their efforts to eradicate abuse of all kinds from the sport.

"We encourage anyone who hears or sees inappropriate behaviour at any sporting event to report it to a steward or police officer at the earliest opportunity so action can be taken against those responsible."

Following the arrests at the Exeter match, which the Gills won on penalties, the co-chairman and CEO Paul Fisher said: "There is no place for such behaviour at Gillingham Football Club, nor anywhere in society."

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