Home   Medway   News   Article

Gillingham FC say they will track down supporters who breached ticket rules in tense Millwall game

Gillingham FC have promised to track down their own supporters who allowed Millwall fans to infiltrate home areas following last Sunday's final game of the season.

There was criticism during the game and later on social media over the handling of the League 1 match between the two rivals, which ended with Millwall winning 2-1.

A number of Millwall fans were sitting in home areas of the ground, some of whom were moved into the away end.

There was a heavy police presence outside the ground last year.
There was a heavy police presence outside the ground last year.

In a statement released today. Gillingham defended their handling of ticketing arrangements and the management of game.

They said: "Tickets for Sunday’s match were sold initially to season ticket holders and then to supporters registered on Gillingham Football Club’s membership system, who also had a customer reference number and previous purchase history.

"Despite the club issuing a warning beforehand that those Gillingham FC members who bought tickets were responsible for themselves and their guests, some tickets must have been purchased with a view of bringing family, friends and colleagues inside the stadium who were Millwall fans.

"The club will now be pursuing those members who purchased the tickets for the away supporters who were able to get into the home stands and acted in a totally inappropriate manner. Further action will be taken against anybody who has breached the rules and regulations on ticket sales.

"As with any other game, all areas of the ground were monitored closely and instructions were issued with safety first and foremost in mind for all the people inside the stadium. Away supporters identified within the home areas were closely monitored by stewards.

"Some were ejected; however when the numbers involved became apparent, the safety officer, together with the Police Commander, has to consider whether or not ejection is the safest or most appropriate option for the stewards to take."

Mahlon Romeo sees red with four minutes to go. Lions boss and former Gills loanee Neil Harris was then sent to the stands following his protests
Mahlon Romeo sees red with four minutes to go. Lions boss and former Gills loanee Neil Harris was then sent to the stands following his protests

The club said three spectators who went onto the pitch were arrested and a total of 15 fans were ejected from Priestfield.

The statement continued: "The fixture ... was played under exceptional and unusual circumstances, with it being the final game of the League One season, plus the fact that both teams were in and around play-off places.

"These factors meant that it was always going to be a game that would be a tense and challenging encounter, something which the club were extremely aware of. An extensive and in-depth period of planning between the police and the football club lasted several weeks, and due to the nature of this game we increased our resources in terms of stewards and security staff. We also more than doubled our response teams, plus made the away end an alcohol-free zone."

Millwall fans who had bought corporate packages in the Medway Stand upper tier had been checked beforehand and had behaved in "an orderly fashion", the club said.

Gills' defeat meant that despite being in either the automatic promotion spots or play-off positions for most of the season, they missed out in the final weeks.

The club stated: "Despite the disappointment of not winning this final game of the 2015/16 campaign and just missing out on a play-off spot, the club would like to thank our supporters for the respect shown by our home fans at the end of the match by not entering the field of play. This allowed the chairman, management and players to undertake their lap of appreciation after a season of hard work and commitment."

Police commander, Ch Supt Adrian Futers, said after the game: "All issues relating to the ticketing and stewarding of the match are a matter for the event organiser.

“It is also important to note that the match passed without major incident, with only three people arrested inside the stadium from a crowd of more than 9,000."

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More