Gillingham fined by the FA and ordered to implement an action plan after admitting misconduct in relation to crowd control for incidents in three League 2 matches

Gillingham have been fined by the Football Association over "vile abuse" and language “at the worst end of the spectrum."

The Gills must pay £12,500 after admitting misconduct in relation to three separate crowd control incidents last season over the space of two months, including racist and sexist abuse.

Back in May the club was charged with failing to ensure that its spectators and/or supporters conducted themselves in an orderly fashion, in home games against Colchester and AFC Wimbledon and away at Sutton United.

Gillingham have worked hard this season to tackle discrimination voiced from the stands, with fans now able to report abuse to a dedicated phone number. There have also been regular announcements and messages in the matchday programme during home games, warning against misconduct. A video was also made prior to the season on social media.

An independent Regulatory Commission imposed the club’s sanctions following a hearing earlier this month, which was attended by majority owners Brad and Shannon Galinson, and fellow board member Paul Scally.

The Colchester United match was played at Priestfield on Boxing Day, 2022, with a visiting player reporting to the referee that he had “heard the chant, ‘you b**** b*****’ twice” from behind the goal.

Footage from the incident was also said to have included several offensive words said by a lone voice, along with “chants” of “you b**** b******”. A police officer was sent to the Rainham End to observe the area where the chanting was said to have come from.

PC Greensmith, the dedicated football officer, said that the Colchester player also heard a comment “you b**** s***,” and he submitted two crime reports.

Following the game, Colchester player Junior Tchamadeu said: