Police have defended their handling of yesterday’s Gillingham match after eight fans were arrested.

There was criticism during the game and later on social media over the handling of the League 1 match between the Gills and Millwall.

A number of Millwall fans were sitting in home areas of the ground, some of whom were moved into the away end.

Chief superintendent Adrian Futers said: “Kent Police has a great deal of experience in policing football matches and worked closely with the event organiser before, during and after Sunday’s game to ensure any disruption was kept to a minimum.

“Away supporters identified within sections allocated for home fans were closely monitored by stewards, and while some were ejected it is important to stress that ejection is not always the safest or most appropriate option.

“It is also important to note that the match passed without major incident, with only three people arrested inside the stadium from a crowd of more than 9,000.

“All issues relating to the ticketing and stewarding of the match are a matter for the event organiser.”

There were three arrests inside the ground, including one for assaulting a police officer and another for entering the field of play.

Robbie Amis, 35, of Charlesmere Gardens, Thamesmead, has been charged with two counts of assaulting a police officer.

Jack Spear, 23, of Kingfisher Road, Larkfield, has been charged with entering the playing area.

Both have been bailed to appear before Medway magistrates on June 14.

A 46-year-old man from Gillingham was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly. He was issued with a penalty notice for disorder.

A further five people were arrested after the match, which the Gills lost 2-1.

Ben Butler, 33, of Alsager Avenue, Queenborough, was arrested in Railway Street and charged with disorderly behaviour and of possession of a controlled drug. He has been bailed to appear before Medway magistrates on May 24.

A 30-year-old man from Bromley was arrested at Gillingham railway station and a 23-year-old man from London was arrested in Balmoral Road, both on suspicion of assault. They were released on bail pending further enquiries until June 21.

Another man, a 52-year-old from Welling, was also arrested at Gillingham railway station, on suspicion of a public order offence. He has been bailed until May 10.

Another man from Gillingham, aged 30, was arrested in Victoria Street on suspicion of criminal damage to a pub window. He has since met with the victim and agreed to pay for the damage as part of a community resolution.

Along with those arrested, there were also a number of people ejected from the ground, although the police aren’t able to confirm that figure.

Problems were anticipated before the match. Gillingham made announcements on their club website and in their programme.

A statement prior to the match said: “Gillingham Football Club would like to remind supporters that the club are relying on everybody adhering to our code of conduct ahead of the fixture.

“All tickets purchased are non-transferable, and the club reserves the right to refuse admission to, or eject from, the ground any person found in possession of a ticket acquired in such fashion.

“Furthermore, any individual who has entered any part of the ground designated for a group of supporters to which he or she does not belong will also face ejection.

“The transfer of tickets, refused entry to or ejection from the ground is likely lead to further action by the club as all ticket sales are traceable on our customer database to those who purchased them.”

A crowd of 9,375 were at Priestfield on Sunday, with an away figure of 1,213 announced by the club.

Millwall were given a ticket allocation ahead of the game, which was limited to 1,100, prompting their manager Neil Harris to speak out.

“I don’t get it,” said Harris. “Our hardcore fans deserve the right to go to Gillingham.”

Harris ended the League 1 match among fans himself after being sent off by referee Paul Tierney, protesting at the decision to dismiss defender Mahlon Romeo.

The match at Millwall earlier this season had also been controversial. Gills striker Dominic Samuel made claims afterwards that he was headbutted while midfielder Josh Wright had to be restrained by team-mate Bradley Dack after receiving abuse from fans.

Gillingham have been contacted for a comment.