Football banning order for aggressive spectator at Gillingham FC match

A Football Banning Order has been imposed on a supporter who shoved two Lincoln City players during a match against Gillingham FC.

Ross Mitchell, 39, of Arden Street, Gillingham, pushed the teammates whilst they were celebrating a goal at Priestfield Stadium on Saturday 7 August 2021.

He was arrested by Kent Police officers who were in attendance at the game, and later charged with two counts of assault by beating.

Mitchell pleaded guilty to the offences when he appeared at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 22 March 2022 and was issued with a three-year Football Banning Order in addition to a £623 fine. He was also ordered to pay £620 in court costs.

No excuse

Superintendent Ray Quiller of Kent Police’s Tactical Operations department said: ‘Whilst it is not unusual for emotions to run high during competitive football matches, there is never any excuse for that to boil over and result in acts of violence.

‘We have a very good relationship with Gillingham FC, its supporters and other football clubs and stakeholders in Kent, and we do not tolerate it when offences are committed that ruin the enjoyment of other people in attendance and potentially put them at risk.

‘Our football grounds are all safe places for supporters and their families to socialise and enjoy watching the game. We intend to keep it that way, which is why we will always apply for Football Banning Orders in cases such as this.

‘Ross Mitchell now finds himself banned from attending any football match in the country for the next three years, all because he was unable to control his temper after a goal was scored.’

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