A Gillingham fan has been banned from all games for three years after hurling racist abuse at a young player during a game at Priestfield.

Tony Edward Jackson, 33, has been given a Football Banning Order after pleading guilty to racial harassing Peterborough midfielder Jermaine Anderson.

Jackson, of Medway Road, Sheerness, was arrested during a League One fixture on Tuesday, September 16.

During the second half, Jackson was sat behind the Peterborough dug-out and was heard shouting abuse at a player leaving the pitch during a substitution.

It caused 18-year-old Jermiane Anderson, who was sitting on the substitutes’ bench, to turn and look at him. As he did so, Jackson shouted a racially offensive comment.

Police officers were made aware of the incident and arrested Jackson at the stadium.

Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony later tweeted to congratulate Gillingham FC on their swift action.

He added: “No place in any walk of life for racism.”

Jackson pleaded guilty when he appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

Jackson was served a three-year Football Banning Order, which prohibits him from attending any football match above Conference South level.

Chief Superintendent Alison Roden of Kent Police said: “These totally unacceptable comments made by Jackson are so out of place in what is a family-friendly environment and will simply not be tolerated.

“Instances like this happen very rarely, but my officers attend matches to ensure those thinking of ruining the game and match day experience for others will be swiftly ejected and put before the courts where they run the risk of being banned from entering football grounds for several years.

“‘We want to work with clubs and the FA and other organisations to stamp out such deplorable behaviour and would encourage anyone who experiences or hears anyone committing these types of offences to report it to police.’

As well as the banning order, Jackson was given a community order to carry out 40 hours unpaid work and has to pay £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.