A man who was arrested at a Gillingham football match for racist abuse towards a player has been bailed until the new year.

A home supporter could be seen imitating a monkey in front of Newport’s striker Omar Bogle at Priestfield after he scored his first of two spot-kicks.

After the goal in the 20th minute, there was a delay in the proceedings due to the incident.

On Saturday, the same day as the match, the club dished out an immediate lifetime ban to an individual who was arrested following the “disgusting” behaviour.

Now police have confirmed the arrested individual, believed to be from Gillingham, has been bailed until January 28 pending further inquiries.

Recently, the FA handed the club a £12,500 fine and ordered it to form an action plan to eradicate abuse inside the stadium following three incidents last season involving racist and sexist comments.

Gillingham’s director of operations Joe Comper explained on social media the banning of the fan while indicating the club takes a “zero tolerance” stance towards racism and has been left feeling “disgusted” over the supporter’s actions.

He also thanked the many other fans in the crowd shown to be as disgusted by the individual’s actions as the club’s hierarchy.

He said: “We have dealt with it within 30 seconds, the person involved was taken and arrested by the Police.

“Statements have been taken throughout the game and we have actually spent a lot of time dealing with that incident throughout the game to make sure that the person gets dealt with, and dealt with appropriately, that will now be handled by the Police.

“I think it is quite clear – everyone has seen the video and everyone can see what has happened. But it’s important that we, as a club, show that we take it very seriously. We dealt with it very quickly and the person was dealt with.

“One thing that I want to make a point of saying, and I think this is important to note, we put out a statement last week asking for fans to come forward and help us deal with these problems.

“Whilst I’ve seen a few people state online that they are [embarrassed to be a Gillingham fan.

“I understand that because of that one person but let me tell you, the number of people in this stadium, and there has been people on all three sides by the way, have come up to me.

“We have actually been struggling to deal with the number of people who are trying to tell us what happened, and that makes me proud. That makes me proud to be a Gillingham fan because the club is frustrated and are sick of it, and actually so are the majority of the fan base that are here.”

“They don’t want to see it, they understand the repercussions it can have on the club. The majority of people here are as desperate to stamp it out as we are.”

Speaking after the match, a police spokesman said: “A man has been arrested following a report of racist abuse at a Gillingham FC match.

“Kent Police was notified of an incident during the League Two game against Newport County on the afternoon of Saturday (October 28).

“A man in his 20s has been arrested on suspicion of a racially-aggravated public order offence and taken into police custody.

“Officers are carrying out inquiries into any further offences which may have taken place at the match.”

Visitors Newport County also released a statement after their 2-0 win.

It said it is “extremely disappointed with the racist gesture made to striker Omar Bogle by a Gillingham supporter during today’s League Two fixture at Priestfield Stadium.

“Newport County abhors any forms of racism, prejudice or discrimination and has a zero-tolerance policy towards incidence of such nature.”

Omar Bogle also gave a statement via his social media. It said: “Firstly I want to thank everyone for the messages of support already after today’s match.

“Listen this problem is bigger than football but in life and as we keep saying, there’s no place for racism. It’s 2023. Do better.

“I appreciate the support I received from the Gillingham players and staff and also a lot of the supporters and I urge you all to continue to drive out the minority that stain the club’s reputation and values.

“Don’t hide the f***ry, let it be seen in plain sight so everyone can witness the behaviour that is still very much alive in all walks of life and in our game at all levels.

“#CantStopWontStop.”