Picture and report by Dan Bloom

Gillingham and Swindon fans squared up in a heated exchange after the Gills' home win at Priestfield today.

Police intervened to successfully avoid a tense stand-off escalating outside Gillingham station at 5.30pm after the Blues' 3-1 win.

Both sides exchanged loud insults and chants for about 15 minutes before police steered the Swindon fans into the railway station.

The rowdy Swindon crowd, who were celebrating promotion despite their side's defeat, had shouted "we pay your benefits" and "where's your caravan" at Gills fans toasting victory in the Southern Belle pub.

There was also a heavy police presence at the Livingstone Arms, Gillingham Road, before the match as Swindon fans gathered ahead of kick-off.

Mum Michelle Barnes was one of several people unable to get into the station.
She said: "It is a bit intimidating, my boys are very scared. We could hear it from round the corner."

There was a heavy police presence both inside and outside the ground for the match, which was almost played behind closed doors.

Medway Council had issued a prohibition order which banned fans from attending the game, after a dispute between Kent Police and Gills over policing costs. The order was lifted when the row was resolved earlier this week.

Police had raised concerns over crowd safety because of a long-standing rivalry between the two sides which dates back to the 1970s.

For a report from today's match, click here

Did you see any trouble at the match? Let us know by leaving your comments below.