A football fan has been given a three year ban for using racist language at a Gillingham FC match.

Jamie Andrew, 21, was issued the ban on Thursday, October 11, at Medway Magistrates' Court after pleading guilty to a charge of causing racially aggravated harassment, alarm and distress.

Andrew, of Britton Street, Gillingham, was arrested on Thursday, March 29, at Priestfield Stadium - home of the Gills - where he was heard shouting racist abuse to players on the field.

The three year Football Banning Order prohibits him from attending any matches above National League South Level. Gillingham are in League One.

Ch Supt Claire Nix, said: "The comments made by Andrew are unacceptable in what is a family-friendly environment and will simply not be tolerated.

"Instances like this happen very rarely, but 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 work with all Kent clubs, the Football Association 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 the police."

As well as the banning order, Andrew was given a community order to carry out 80 hours unpaid work and has to pay £85 costs and an £85 victim surcharge.