Gillingham Football Club has begun a legal battle with the BBC over a comment posted on the broadcaster’s website.

Bosses at Priestfield want to sue the individual who accused the club of racism, but do not know his identity.

Now the club has turned to the High Court in London. It is seeking an order forcing the BBC to disclose the name, postal address, and email address of the individual, who has allegedly made postings under the pseudonym die_hard_gills.

Despite requests, the BBC has chosen not to provide the information voluntarily, according to a High Court writ.

The club says it has a valid claim for damages against whoever made the posting last December, but first needs to find out who to sue.

Gillingham chairman Paul Scally refused to comment on the case.

A BBC spokesman said: "Gillingham Football Club Ltd accept that the BBC has not committed any wrongdoing and the BBC has filed its response to that claim with the court.

"As is accepted practice in such cases, the BBC considers that the court should determine whether it is necessary and appropriate for the BBC to disclose the information sought and will comply with any appropriate order the court may make."