Gillingham at threat of serious sanctions as CEO makes statement on vile fan behaviour

Gillingham claim there are at threat of serious sanctions as CEO Paul Fisher makes a statement on vile fan behaviour at recent games.

The club are trying to bring back the feel good factor, amid the arrival of new owner Brad Galinson, with the hope the club can veer away from the drop zone.

They currently sit 21st with 35 points from 34 games played. Hartlepool are 22nd with 29 points from 35 games, Crawley are 23rd with 26 points from 35 games and Rochdale are bottom, 10 points behind Gillingham and four points from safety, shaping up to be quite the relegation battle.

It seems fans still can’t behave themselves appropriately at matches, and we’ve lost count of how many times the club have had to speak on how serious a matter this is.

Club Statement.https://t.co/KzZBkSaLLF#Gills

— Gillingham FC (@TheGillsFC) March 9, 2023

STATEMENT:

A statement from Paul Fisher.

It has been brought to our attention that, at recent fixtures, there have been reported incidences of racist, sexist and homophobic comments which were referred to the Football Association and English Football League for further investigation.

As communicated several times previously, we have a zero tolerance approach to such behaviour at Gillingham Football Club and there is no place for it at MEMS Priestfield Stadium or anywhere in society.

We remind everyone that these are arrestable offences under the Football Offences Act.

The stewards will act if it is heard, or reported to them, however we will soon be installing an anonymous phone number which can be used to report such incidences on matchdays.

The club investigates all such matters and reports the actions to the Police.

Every time the referee files a report the club is investigated and could face sanctions such as a hefty fine and/or a points deduction.

It really must stop.

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This is what fans had to say with Gillingham at threat of serious sanctions as the CEO makes statement on vile fan behaviour…

@nick29344511: It needs to stop as it spoils it for everyone else especially if we are bringing our kids to matches

@BobbyMa00187643: There was a guy behind me who randomly shouted at a Stockport steward and called him paedophile on Tuesday night when he was walking around with kids. The steward heard it but did nothing. I was dismayed.

@NeilMattingly1: It is a tiny minority of mainly kids. It needs true fans to call out these individuals. Unfunny, Uncool and just embarrassing.

@Truebluejock: No it’s not mainly kids. Some grown “men” shouting homophobic and sexist slurs in the Rainham End.

@NeilMattingly1: Even less excuse for them then. Still needs calling out.

@nathannjb_: Really disappointing this and beholden on us to call it out. We’ve all got carried away at games but racist and homophobic chanting should get in the bin. Hope we can have a proper conversation as a fan base about some of our more embarrassing chants. Yes I mean “Celery”. Cringe.

@BonjelaLawson: Well done @BradGalinson for putting this out. Homophobic and racist language in this day and age is vile and totally unacceptable. We want to be a progressive and modern football club and so these mindless dinosaurs can go elsewhere

@GillsInTheBlood: Baffling how skin colour, sexual orientation or what bits & bobs someone has is an issue. If a person, any person, likes football & want to come watch games, they can. If a female wants to work as a physio for a men’s team, she can. Too many insecure & prehistoric idiots about.

@billyhunt1972: Couldn’t agree more, absolutely brainless behaviour.

@NicholasCoote1: I heard the moronic chants made towards the physio. Embarrassing. These pathetic individuals need to be banned permanently. Such behaviour is totally unacceptable & must not be tolerated.

@theElgrunn: For all of the brilliant positivity our club has had thanks to new owners and great results and a promise of better future; do some minority of fans not think before they speak? Chants like this will eventually get the club in trouble. Although I realise it happens at every club

@ex_goodwin: Racism at Gillingham. Whoda thunk it?