Gillingham chairman Paul Scally says he was duty-bound to take action against those calling for him to go in recent games.

There were calls for the chairman to quit during the match against Sunderland and some supporters also organised for a plane to fly over Priestfield with a banner calling for Mr Scally to leave.

The chairman hit back and promised to take action, with 90-day suspensions being issued to those who he feels are having a negative impact on the club.

Saturday’s game against Accrington was the first weekend fixture at Priestfield since the match with Sunderland and although there were no vocal protests there was a low crowd, with a figure of just 3,609 announced, the lowest this season in the league. There were, however, less than 100 away fans in attendance.

Average attendances over the past three seasons (excluding the 2020/21 Covid lockout) have been around the 5,000 mark although that is a drop off from over 6,000 in the two years prior to that. The current average for league games is 4,773.

Gillingham's goalless draw with Accrington leaves them sitting 18th in the League 1 table.

Mr Scally commented on the club’s recent reaction to the protests in his programme notes, writing: "I consider it my duty and responsibility, as chairman, to ensure people are safe secure and unhindered in their support of the football club.

"What we will not tolerate is conduct that is below the standards that we would reasonably expect as this has a detrimental effect on the staff, the players and, more importantly, the supporters.

"Therefore, we are bringing in measures of temporary suspensions, with immediate effect, for anyone found to be conducting themselves in a manner below what we would reasonably expect.

"However, the support we had at both Bolton and here against Doncaster was absolutely superb, and it's no coincidence that our performances were very good as a result. It shows that if we are all pulling in the same direction and positive in our approach, this translates onto the field of play."

Mr Scally described the events at Priestfield on October 16 as "organised thuggery."

Gillingham are in FA Cup action this coming Saturday, at home to fellow League 1 side Cheltenham Town. In a bid to attract more fans to the game they have offered adult admission for just £10. Senior and under-18 e-tickets are being sold for £5. Under-12s are free of charge.

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