Visiting goalkeeper Sam Slocombe received a cut to the head at Priestfield on Saturday after apparently being struck by an object.

There was a delay at the start of second-half stoppage-time in the League 2 match between Gillingham and Notts County after visiting boss Luke Williams claimed his goalkeeper had been hit by what he thought was a vape. The Gills have since launched an appeal to find the culprit.

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The Gills were losing 2-1 at the time - which is how the game ended - and eager to get back into the game.

Williams felt the incident wasn’t in keeping of a game that was watched by a crowd of close to 7,000 in Gillingham, blaming one person “making a terrible decision.”

“Unfortunately something was thrown,” said Williams, when asked about the incident.

“I think a vape, or something like that, hit him on the back of the head and he has a cut on his head.

“It upset him because anybody that has met Sam Slocombe doesn’t want to throw anything at him because he is a great guy. I don’t think he did anything to wind anyone up or something like that.

“That was a shame, but in general the atmosphere in the stadium was brilliant.

“I have been here in League 1 where there’s hardly been anyone there but the club can feel they are on the way up, the atmosphere was great, everyone behaved themselves.

“The minute’s silence at the beginning (as a mark of respect to those affected by the Israel-Gaza war) was impeccable, brilliant. This is just one person making a really terrible decision.

“I don’t think it should reflect on Gillingham and the fans in the stadium.”

Gillingham have only recently been fined by the FA and ordered to implement an action plan after admitting misconduct in relation to crowd control for incidents in three League 2 matches last season.

The club have since regularly reminded supporters of the need to behave in the stands, with fans being warned that among numerous offences, throwing of objects is a criminal offence. The previous misconduct charges related to offensive chanting of a sexist and racist nature.

The club’s director of operations Joe Comper is appealing for information following the incident.

A club statement said: “Once again, we find ourselves investigating an incident which reflects poorly on the Football Club, and will likely land us in trouble with the Football authorities.

“Towards the end of today’s game, objects have been thrown onto the pitch from the Rainham End, at least one of which appears to have struck the opposition goalkeeper. Quite clearly, any right-minded person can understand that this is not acceptable, and it won’t be accepted at Priestfield.

“Our investigation is underway and we are working closely with Kent Police to identify the culprit/s, in order for us to impose any necessary bans, as well as pursuing criminal prosecutions.

“The fanbase here at Gillingham is truly fantastic. You are passionate, loyal and devoted to the team and those that represent your shirt. It is a shame that the actions of a very small minority risk damaging your club in the form of heavy fines and potentially points deductions.

“If anyone has any information that can assist us in finding these individuals, I ask that you email me directly at jcomper@priestfield.com.”