A former Gillingham footballer is suing the club for race discrimination in a ground-breaking case.

Mark McCammon, who left Priestfield in 2011, is claiming unfair dismissal and says he and other black players were treated differently to white players. The club strongly rejects the claims.

Gordon Taylor, chief executive of the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), told a national newspaper: “This is a very unusual case. We had hoped to settle the matter within football, as is the norm but that hasn’t happened on this occasion so the tribunal will have to resolve it on matters of fact.”

McCammon said: “All I can say is that I am confident the truth will prevail but at this stage I am unable to comment any further due to legal proceedings.
“Football is the game I love; it’s my pride and joy. I just want to get back to playing and enjoying the game.”

A Gillingham spokesman said: “The allegations made by Mark McCammon are wholly refuted by the club.

“It would not be appropriate for the club to comment further until the employment tribunal hearing has taken place.”

McCammon spent three years at Gillingham but his time at Priestfield was hampered by injuries. He publicly fell out with former manager Mark Stimson in July 2010, after claiming he was snubbed and had been forced to train with the youth team.

McCammon’s claims are due to be heard at an employment tribunal in Ashford later this year.