GILLINGHAM FC chairman Paul Scally has confirmed that Meridian Television cameras have been banned from Priestfield for what he described as the "foreseeable future".

This follows the collapse of ITV Digital resulting in the loss of millions of pounds of revenue to Nationwide League clubs.

ITV Digital was formed by Granada, which owns Meridian, and Carlton television companies.

Writing in the programme for Saturday's game against Coventry, Mr Scally explained: "The names of Carlton and Granada for most clubs, if not all, have been blackened for ever.

"This is a great pity for our local station Meridian which is owned by Granada. We have worked well with the reporters and cameramen from Meridian for a long time, but they cannot escape the results of their owners' actions.

"This is not a personal issue. However, the damage that has been inflicted on football by Carlton and Granada cannot be over-estimated and a number of clubs, including Gillingham, have decided not to allow their representatives privileges in our stadiums."