A teenager has been banned from attending Gillingham FC matches for three years after knocking off a police officer’s hat while threatening them.
During the League Two home fixture against Newport County on October 28, another man was being arrested for a separate incident where opposition player Omar Bogle was racially abused by a fan.
While he was being spoken to, 18-year-old Jake Harling approached them and knocked off an officer’s hat.
When they tried to speak to Harling about his behaviour, he refused to engage and became abusive and confrontational.
The teen, of Blenheim Road, Sittingbourne, continued to shout and swear after being arrested and made threats to harm the officer concerned. He was also found to be carrying a small quantity of cocaine.
He appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court on December 6, where he pleaded guilty to a public order offence, being drunk at a sporting event and being in possession of a class A drug.
In addition to the Football Banning Order, which prevents him from attending any regulated match for the next three years, Harling was also ordered to complete a 12-month community order, 60 hours of unpaid work and a rehabilitation course.
He must also pay a victim surcharge of £114 and £85 in court costs.
Superintendent Ray Quiller said: “The behaviour exhibited by Jake Harling was completely unacceptable and has no place at any football ground.
“He involved himself in a matter that had nothing to do with him and used highly offensive language in the presence of other spectators, including children, who were understandably appalled by what they heard.
“Kent Police has a very good relationship with Gillingham FC and other clubs in the county and we support their efforts to eliminate such incidents from the game.
“The vast majority of supporters behave impeccably but those like Harling who do not can expect to be arrested and prevented from attending matches in the future.”
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