A drunk football fan who punched a steward in the face at a Gills game has been banned from going to matches for three years.

Martin Cork, 48, of Davenport Avenue, Gillingham, will not be able to attend any regulated games either in the UK or abroad, and risks being re-arrested if he does.

He was charged with assault and being drunk inside a sports ground following his actions at Priestfield Stadium on Saturday, November 26 last year.

Cork had been watching Gillingham's League One match with Rochdale in the Rainham End section of the ground, having drank about six pints of lager and some whiskey beforehand.

His drunken and aggressive behaviour led to a confrontation with other supporters so stewards moved in to remove him from the ground, one of whom was punched by Cork and left with a bloody nose.

Cork pleaded guilty to both charges when he appeared before Medway magistrates this week.

He was also ordered to pay £150 compensation to his victim and £85 court costs.

PC Geoff Greensmith said: "Excess alcohol consumption at designated football fixtures is prohibited by law, for the good reason that it increases the likelihood of people becoming aggressive and violent – as it did so in this instance.

"Martin Cork told us he had no memory of the events leading up to his ejection from the ground, but that is no excuse for his behaviour.

"I hope that the banning order imposed upon him demonstrates to other spectators that conduct of this nature will not be tolerated at any ground in Kent or elsewhere."

A Gillingham FC spokesperson added: "We have a loyal and passionate fan base, virtually all of whom show their support in a safe and sensible manner.

"However, as a club, we do not tolerate abusive and threatening behaviour of any kind, and supporters who act in this manner will be treated in the same way as this individual."