Gillingham fans say they are being banned from attending matches after taking part in protests against club owner Paul Scally.

Disgruntled supporters are concerned about the situation at the club with financial worries, falling attendances and lack of investment in the squad.

A protest outside the Priestfield ahead of Tuesday night's 2-0 defeat to Cheltenham saw a group of about 40 fans calling for change to avoid the club "sleepwalking into relegation" down to League Two.

Meanwhile, a growing movement among fans say they have lost trust in the club's hierarchy and are calling for Mr Scally to leave the club, step up investment and better transparency about decisions being taken in the board room.

Season ticket holder Dom Ballard, who has attended every home and away game this season, says he was denied entry to the ground after joining the protest held outside the stadium on Tuesday.

He said: "I can understand refusing people entry if there is abusive language being used but no such language was used. It was as peaceful as it was stated to be.

"The police liaison officers who stood by were very co-operative and understanding of our situation and were respectful throughout and stated they themselves had no issue with what we were doing."

Mr Ballard said ground officials and stewards told them anyone standing on the pavement as part of the protest group would be refused entry.

He added: "As me and a friend approached the turnstile one steward pulled us aside and said we wouldn’t be allowed in.

"We asked him why and his response was: 'We’ve seen you over the road, we’ve been watching, following and filming you all. You won’t be getting in tonight.'"

Mr Ballard said he had a "polite discussion" with a senior steward and says he was told they had been "instructed from the top" not to allow anyone taking part in the peaceful protest.

He says he has not been told how long he has been banned for but is aware of other fans told they would not be allowed to watch their team.

"I think at a time where it’s clear to see that attendances are crashing down refusing entry or banning people for not agreeing with how the club is run is incredible," Mr Ballard said.

"I sit there and wonder, like others, why we can’t attract new fans into the ground, then you see how fans are treated and we’re now turning a corner where we can’t even keep our current fans from coming. There is clearly an issue."

Results in recent weeks have seen the Gills slide to 20th in the table and just one point above the relegation zone.

In-form Portsmouth travel to the Priestfield tomorrow (3pm kick-off) having won their last five games in all competitions and unbeaten in seven matches.

Mr Ballard added: "The squad is depleted, injuries haven’t helped but there’s a severe lack of quality in areas of the pitch that won us games last season. It’s not through a lack of effort on the players part either, they’re trying their best and have full support.

"Names like Jordan Graham and Connor Ogilvie simply haven’t been replaced properly and we’re relying on players like Vadaine Oliver and Kyle Dempsey to carry us through this patch, sadly they’re injured too."

Fans say they are hugely worried about what impact relegation to League Two could have on the club with money owed to several parties including the Football League and other club directors.

Mr Ballard said: "If we went down there is a serious concern with attendances continuing to fall that we could actually drop out the league completely and that would be catastrophic.

"We as fans want honesty, a trusting bond from top to bottom and a clear idea of what the future holds, things like the progression on and off the field being explained to us, not politically correct responses to keep people happy for the time being.

"Currently we don’t have the trust and unity and it’s causing this horrible environment and divide and there is no sign of it improving.

"I think it’s now gone beyond the point of fixing for many which is why they no longer attend or just go away games. It’s not a minority like it’s proclaimed, it’s a movement that’s beginning to grow as much as it’s dressed down.

"Unless there is actual investment and progression – whether that’s under Mr Scally or a new owner – you may see opinions change for the better, but until that happens they won’t change.

"We shall continue to fight for what we believe in, all we want is what we believe is best for our club like I’m sure everyone else does."

KentOnline asked the club about fans being refused entry and fan concerns but a spokesman said there is "no comment at this time".