A GILLINGHAM fan has been arrested and handed a lifetime ban after directing a racial taunt at Newport star Omar Bogle.
The disgusting incident occurred after Bogle had put Newport 2-0 forward at Priestfield of their League Two conflict on Saturday.
The fan appeared to make a monkey gesture in the direction of Bogle as he celebrated a objective
Newport striker Omar Bogle was the sufferer of disgusting racial abuse by a Gillingham fanCredit score: 2023 Athena Footage
As Bogle celebrated the objective in entrance of the house finish, the fan appeared to make a racist gesture imitating a monkey in the direction of the Newport striker.
Video footage confirmed Newport gamers who had gone over to rejoice with Bogle reducing their celebrations quick to level on the fan following the gesture.
Gills chief Joe Comper took to X, previously generally known as Twitter, to say the fan had been arrested and issued with a lifetime ban from the stadium.
Comper mentioned: “Disgusting from one particular person within the Rainham Finish. Arrested, and a lifetime ban from Priestfield issued.
“Can’t thank the massive variety of followers from across the stadium who’re clearly as enraged as us. We actually respect your help.”
A press release from Kent Police mentioned: “A person has been arrested following a report of racist abuse at a Gillingham FC match.
“Kent Police was notified of an incident throughout the League Two recreation towards Newport County on the afternoon of Saturday 28 October 2023.
“A person in his 20s has been arrested on suspicion of a racially-aggravated public order offence and brought into police custody.
“Officers are finishing up enquiries into any additional offences which can have taken place on the match.”
Referee Tom Reeves was seen discussing the incident with Bogle and Newport captain Ryan Delaney.
He then headed to the touchline to talk to managers Keith Millen and Graham Coughlan, the fourth official and matchday steward.
A press release from anti-racism organisation Kick It Out mentioned: “We’re conscious of the disgusting abuse from a fan directed in the direction of Newport ahead Omar Bogle throughout Saturday’s League Two match at Gillingham.
“There’s completely no room for so-called supporters like this in soccer and offences corresponding to this needs to be met with the strongest doable punishments.
“We ship our help to Omar and remind followers that discriminatory behaviour won’t be tolerated. In the event you see it or hear it, report it.”
Right this moment’s vile incident comes after Gillingham have been slapped with a £12,500 superb from the FA in September following an investigation into racist and sexist chanting by supporters.
The League Two aspect have been charged with three counts of misconduct between December 2022 and February 2023.