All fans banned from Gillingham - Swindon Town football match

Football fans have been banned from a League Two match between Gillingham and Swindon Town following a row over policing costs.

Medway Council said that a prohibition notice had been issued for the game on 21 April due to "serious concerns" over public order at the Priestfield ground.

Kent Police said the provision of appropriate numbers of officers in the stadium was "essential".

Gillingham FC said it was making no comment on the council's statement.

Ch Supt Alasdair Hope said: "The safety of all fans attending this football match is our main priority and we are not prepared for their safety to be compromised.

"The cost of this must be met by Gillingham FC."

Councillor Mike O'Brien, from Medway Council, said that Kent Police had "serious concerns about public order at the ground".

He said: "We have done this following advice from Kent Police that they have specific intelligence concerning the match and its fans.

"The risk is so serious for fans that, until steps have been taken to reduce it to a reasonable level through agreeing adequate policing levels, spectators will be prohibited from attending the match."

A spokesman for Swindon Town Football Club (STFC) said: "At this stage STFC are in continued talks with Gillingham to get the matter resolved."

Gary Liptrott, chairman of the Gillingham Independent Supporters Club, said: "There have been issues with Swindon in the past.

"We have a lot of families within our membership and their safety is of the utmost importance."

Mr Liptrott said the game was important to Swindon Town in their push for promotion and so the club would bring lots of fans, which would require extra policing within the stadium.

"I would like to think that the game will go ahead and the club will have to go along with it and pay the bill."