THE National Federation of Football Supporters' Clubs have thrown their weight behind banned Gillingham fan Alan Liptrott and offered to bankroll any legal action.

Mr Liptrott resigned as chairman of the Gills Supporters' Club earlier this month following a dispute with Gillingham chairman Paul Scally who excluded him from Priestfield.

The dispute centres on the internet domain name www.Gillinghamfc.co.uk which Mr Liptrott legally owns and is used as a website for the Gills Supporters' Club.

Mr Scally wants it transferred to the football club and has placed the matter in the hands of his solicitors who have written to Mr Liptrott.

Before last Saturday's home game with Barnsley, Mr Liptrott met with David Bloore, vice-chairman of the National Federation and chairman of the Barnsley Supporters' Club.

Mr Bloore offered to mediate in the dispute but Mr Scally was unavailable on Saturday.

"I greatly appreciate this gesture by the National Federation because I'm semi-retired and certainly could not afford to fund any legal action in this dispute," said Mr Liptrott.

"I have told David Bloore that I will give the matter serious consideration. I shall also discuss it with members of the Gills Supporters' Club committee before making a decision."

The National Federation recently succeeded in lifting the ban on a Birmingham City supporter who had been excluded from St Andrews following a letter written to a local newspaper.

Mr Liptrott also disclosed that an unnamed local businessman had offered to put together a fighting fund to assist in any legal action.