Omar Bogle: Newport County condemn 'racist' abuse of striker by Gillingham supporter
- Published
Striker Omar Bogle scored both goals in Newport's victory on Saturday
Newport County have condemned a "racist gesture" aimed at striker Omar Bogle during Saturday's League Two win at Gillingham.
A Gillingham fan appeared to abuse Bogle as he celebrated scoring from the penalty spot in the 20th minute.
Kent Police confirmed a person had been arrested following the incident, and the club said the fan had been banned for life.
Exiles boss Graham Coughlan said the abuse was "distasteful" and "mindless".
A statement released by Newport said: "Newport County is extremely disappointed with the racist gesture made to striker Omar Bogle by a Gillingham supporter during today's League Two fixture at Priestfield Stadium.
"Newport County abhors any forms of racism, prejudice or discrimination and has a zero-tolerance policy towards incidence of such nature."
Kent Police said: "A man in his 20s has been arrested on suspicion of a racially-aggravated public order offence and taken into police custody."
In a social media post, Bogle thanked those who offered messages of support.
He added: "Listen this problem is bigger than just in football but in life and as we keep saying. There's no place for racism.
"It's 2023. Do better. I appreciate the support I received from the Gillingham players and staff and also a lot of the supporters and I urge you all to continue to drive out the majority that stain the clubs reputation and values."
Bogle's boss Coughlan said : "It's not nice. It's distasteful. There's no place [for it] in the game.
"I've competed against Gillingham for years and years and I don't think that represents the true Gillingham Football Club. I think that's just one or two mindless [supporters] and it's certainly a minority.
"We can't tarnish the good name of this football club because of one or two mindless idiots really.
"They'll be dealt with by the authorities and they dealt with it swiftly, they dealt with it cool, calm and collectedly and fair play to them - we thank them for that."
The Football Association also posted their response on social media, echoing the thoughts of both clubs.
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Gillingham FC Supporters' Club formerly Twitter, saying: "Disgusting behaviour which has no place in football and at Priestfield. Lifetime ban needed."
Joe Comper, head of operations at Gillingham FC, said on X: "Disgusting from one individual in the Rainham End. Arrested, and a lifetime ban from Priestfield issued. Can't thank the large number of fans from around the stadium who are clearly as enraged as us. We really appreciate your support."
A later confirmed the lifetime ban, with the club adding: "One thing that people will see today from the way that we have responded is that our stance is zero tolerance."