Gills apologise to Newport's Townsend over alleged racial abuse

Gillingham Football Club have apologised for alleged racial abuse towards Newport County goalkeeper Nick Townsend.

The Gills have expressed their “disgust” at the allegations and issued a statement of apology to Newport’s Antigua and Barbuda international.

The Kent club say the alleged incident is thought to have happened in the second half of the Exiles’ 2-0 League Two win at the Priestfield Stadium on Tuesday night.

In a statement they said: “Gillingham FC is disappointed to have to express its disgust at allegations of racial abuse towards the Newport goalkeeper Nick Townsend, during the 55th minute of tonight’s game.

“Working with Kent Police, Mr Townsend and our in-house Safety Team, we have been able to identify the person who is alleged to have shouted the racial abuse. If proven, this person will receive a ban from MEMS Priestfield Stadium.

“As a club we apologise to Mr Townsend and strongly condemn all forms of discrimination. It will not be tolerated at Gillingham FC.”

In October 2023, then Newport striker Omar Bogle was the victim of a racial incident when scoring both goals in a 2-0 win over Gillingham, at the Priestfield Stadium.

As he wheeled away in celebration having scored the first of two penalties, a Gillingham fan performed a racist gesture towards him.

Shortly after that game, Gillingham released a statement confirming they had issued a lifetime ban to the supporter in question, who was later arrested by police. Newport also released a statement condemning the abuse towards Bogle, who is now at Crewe.

Bogle recalled the incident as the the EFL and its clubs recently united to relaunch the league's "Together Against Racism" campaign.

The initiative runs until October 28 and encourages players, managers and fans to use their voice to drive change.

On Tuesday night, Townsend made some fine saves as Newport ended a run of three consecutive defeats with only their second league clean sheet of the campaign.

Solihull born Townsend, 29, qualifies for Antigua and Barbuda through his grandfather.