Crawley Town's Dean Howell (right) with Gillingham's Dennis Oli

by Alan McGuinness

Gillingham FC are hunting a supporter who allegedly called a Crawley Town player a golliwog.

Defender Dean Howell said the abuse was shouted at him by a man in his 70s during Tuesday's game at Priestfield, which the Gills lost 1-0.

The incident, which was reported to the referee and then police, is said to have happened in or around Block C of the Gordon Road Stand as Howell prepared to take a throw-in during the 53rd minute.

A steward allegedly heard the name-calling, but was unable to identify who called out.

A fan at the game approached another steward and gave them the seat number of someone who could have been involved.

The last clash between the two sides on Boxing Day ended in controversy when Crawley manager Steve Evans accused Gillingham manager Andy Hessenthaler of racism, before withdrawing the claim.

In the aftermath of Tuesday's incident, Howell told a newspaper he believes racism will never be kicked out of football.

He said he heard the word golliwog "crystal clear" and that when he looked at the culprit he said it again.

Howell said he was disappointed with the officials' response and is not pursuing the incident.

A Gillingham FC spokesman said: "Gillingham FC will not tolerate any form of racial or homophobic abuse and will take steps to identify and deal firmly with anyone caught acting in such a way at our ground.

"If anyone has any information that could assist the club or police in identifying who was responsible for this cowardly act, they are asked to contact the club on 01634 300000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."