GILLINGHAM chairman Paul Scally has threatened to ban for life any individual identified throwing objects on to the pitch at Priestfield. He issued the warning after a coin was thrown at one of the referee's assistants during the home game against Sheffield United on January 12.

Match referee Rob Harris reported the incident to the Football Association who asked Gillingham for their observations. The club are to publish a warning notice in their matchday magazine. "Let me make it quite clear that we shall take serious action against anyone caught throwing any object at the ground," said Mr Scally.

A Football Association spokesman said: "We have spoken to Gillingham and know they are working hard with their local police to improve monitoring of the fans in certain sections of Priestfield Stadium.

"We are keeping an eye on the situation at Gillingham and what preventive measures the club are taking. I would like to stress that no disciplinary action will be taken against Gillingham Football Club."

Tottenham and Chelsea have already banned supporters found guilty of hurling objects.

Mr Scally's threat comes in response to a new code of conduct agreed by football authorities.