Gillingham Football Club have expressed their disgust over allegations of racial abuse aimed towards a visiting player.
The suggestion of racism towards Newport County goalkeeper Nick Townsend comes almost exactly a year after a player from the same team – Omar Bogle – was the victim of racial abuse, one which led to a lifetime ban for a supporter.
Former Newport player Bogle, who now plays for Crewe, spoke out last week, a year after abuse was aimed at him inside Priestfield. His interview came as part of the EFL’s ‘Together Against Racism’ campaign.
Gills chairman Brad Galinson wrote in his programme notes ahead of Tuesday night’s game about the incident and of how proud he was that “no such incidents have occured since then.”
County’s Antigua & Barbuda international goalkeeper Townsend – who enjoyed a fine game to frustrate the Gills as they slumped to another defeat – was allegedly abused in the second half.
A statement from the Gills said: “Gillingham FC is disappointed to have to express its disgust at allegations of racial abuse towards the Newport goalkeeper, Nick Townsend, during the 55th minute of tonight’s game.
“Working with the Kent Police, Mr Townsend and our in-house safety team, we have been able to identify the person who is alleged to have shouted the racial abuse.“If proven, this person will receive a ban from MEMS Priestfield Stadium.
“As a club we apologise to Mr Townsend and strongly condemn all forms of discrimination. It will not be tolerated at Gillingham FC.”
On Wednesday afternoon, Newport released their own statement.
They said: “Newport County is extremely disappointed to learn of allegations of racial abuse towards Exiles’ goalkeeper Nick Townsend during the 55th minute of last night’s game against Gillingham.
“Working with the Kent Police, Townsend and Gillingham’s in-house Safety Team were able to identify the person who is alleged to have shouted the racial abuse and the incident is currently being investigated.
“Newport County strongly condemns any forms of racism, prejudice or discrimination and has a zero-tolerance policy towards incidence of such nature.
“Townsend has the full backing of everyone at the football club and we are in constant dialogue with the player, ensuring he has all the support he needs.
“The club would like to place on record its thanks to both Kent Police and Gillingham Football Club for their swift response at the end of the game.
“Newport County will continue to work with the relevant authorities on this matter.”
Last year, Bogle – who now plays for Crewe – was abused by a 28-year-old spectator, who was later charged with racially aggravated intentional harassment and who admitted the offence after making monkey gestures.
He was ordered to pay Bogle £200 compensation, was placed on a 12-month community order and told to attend rehabilitation sessions.
Writing ahead of Tuesday’s game, against the same team and almost exactly a year on, Mr Galinson had said: “This week marks a year since the deplorable Omar Bogle incident.
“In the moment, our stadium staff and leaders were brilliant and in the days of investigation which followed, our fans were brilliant as well.
“I am exceedingly proud that no such incidents have occured since then.”
Gillingham FC worked hard last season at trying to eradicate abusive behaviour among spectators after incidents of “vile abuse” inside Priestfield Stadium which led to a £12,500 fine from the Football Association and threats of more severe action, including the possibility of points deductions.
The Gills said at the time: “There is no place for any manner of discriminatory, offensive, or abusive behaviour or language of any kind inside our ground.”
Fans can contact a dedicated phone number, 07776 090083, if they witness racist or discriminatory abuse at Priestfield or alert a steward.
