Two men arrested after brawl between fans before Gillingham FC and Swindon Town match at Priestfield Stadium

Two football fans who were caught fighting during a brawl between rival groups have appeared in court.

The pair were arrested after violence broke out outside Gillingham railway station before League Two Gillingham FC played Swindon Town at Priestfield Stadium.

Police were on patrol and made arrests when the punch-up ensued on Saturday, April 26.

Nathan Clark, 19, of Regency Court, Sittingbourne, was charged with a public order offence and with failing to answer bail, while James Trott, 31, of Severn Avenue, Swindon, was charged with assault by beating.

Both men are due to appear at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, September 3.

It is not the first incident of violence in recent months involving Kent football fans.

Elsewhere, on Thursday, August 7, Camron Brockman was jailed after he kicked a teenage boy in the face before an FA Cup tie between Solihull Moors and Maidstone United that was played in Solihull.

Kent officers recognised the 20-year-old man from CCTV footage and detained in Kent on behalf of West Midlands Police in November 2024.

He was sentenced to two years and 11 months’ imprisonment after admitting to wounding with intent and affray at Birmingham Crown Court.

The affray offence was committed in Essex back in 2023 before a game involving Maidstone and Southend United.

Kent Police Chief Superintendent, Simon Alland, said: “We have a very good relationship with football clubs across the county and work closely with them to ensure matches are safe for all spectators to attend.

“Whilst the vast majority of supporters behave impeccably and enjoy each game in the correct manner, there remain some whose inappropriate actions put other people in harm’s way.

“That is why last season our officers arrested