A football fan who threw a smoke grenade onto the pitch as Gillingham played Charlton has been banned from matches for five years.

Brogue Stevens, 20, of Cobham Chase, Faversham was charged with throwing a smoke grenade and possessing an offensive weapon.

He pleaded guilty to both offences at Medway Magistrates Court and was served with the five-year football banning order, a suspended 60-day prison sentence and a variety of fines totalling £200.

Meanwhile, Charles Priston, 24 of Bladindon Drive, Bexley was charged with possessing a smoke grenade at the same match.

Priston pleaded guilty to the offence at Medway Magistrates Court on Tuesday October 3.

He was served with a three-year football banning order and was ordered to pay a variety of fines totalling to £215.

The offences came as extra police officers were brought in on September 16 following the London terror attack.

“A small minority of fans put themselves and others in danger by throwing pyrotechnics at football matches" - PC Geoff Greensmith

The Gills beat Charlton Athletic 1-0 but the atmosphere was marred when several flares were thrown towards the end of the game, which was watched by more than 7,000 people.

Kent Police’s dedicated Football Officer PC Geoff Greensmith said after the sentencing: “A small minority of fans put themselves and others in danger by throwing pyrotechnics at football matches.

“We will continue to work closely with all local football clubs and where incidents such as this occur, we will identify and bring to justice those responsible.

“The overwhelming majority of football fans are well-behaved and passionate about their teams, and ensuring their safety while they enjoy the game is our number one priority.”