George Elokobi says a line was crossed by a Torquay fan who abused him in the dugout during Maidstone’s win at Plainmoor on Saturday.

Elokobi was booked after confronting a supporter who made a gesture towards him shortly before half-time.

The Stones boss cleared the individual of racism but felt his behaviour went too far.

“It’s been reported,” said Elokobi, following his side’s 1-0 victory.

“Credit to the Torquay staff - straight away they made sure that’s been taken care of.

“Statements have been taken and we’ll leave that to them.

“They need to sort that out but it’s important that when we are in our technical area the stewards stop individuals coming and shouting abuse at me and my bench because we don’t make the decisions on the pitch, we don’t officiate the game.

“We’re only trying to do our jobs. So we come here, we show the utmost respect.

“Yes, there’s banter, but there’s a line we don’t cross in football.

“I’m all for banter but when someone is aiming abuse at my bench right close to myself then I’m taking matters into my own hands - I don’t care.

“I’m not talking racism.

“There were gestures that were made and they said they had it on camera.

‘A fantastic result for our football club’

“We identified the individual that did that gesture but it’s down to them how they investigate that because it’s important.

“I’m not saying racism, it’s not racism but there was a gesture that was made and I wanted to understand why that gesture was made but we’ve given a statement and they’re going to investigate it and it’s down to them to come up with the answers.

“It’s important to report it. I got booked for telling the guy to not step into this area because it’s got nothing to do with him, this area.

“Yes, I raised my voice, but it’s my place of work and I shouldn’t have to put up with that.

“I don’t go to his place of work and abuse him, do I? So don’t step into our place of work.

“Do it from the stands – that’s fine, I understand that – but the barriers are there for a reason.

“Don’t come two feet from us and keep doing what you’re doing because it’s not right.

“You’re not setting the right example to the next generation.”