Football Madness at Gillingham Station! Police have slammed fan violence after two men were charged following a chaotic clash between rival supporters outside Gillingham railway station. The row sparked ahead of the League Two showdown between Gillingham FC and Swindon Town on Saturday 26 April 2025.
Violence breaks out ahead of the match
Kent Police were on high alert to keep the peace, but trouble flared when groups of opposing fans came to blows. Officers quickly stepped in amid the disorder to restore order.
Two charged, court date set
- Nathan Clark, 19, from Regency Court, Sittingbourne, faces charges of a public order offence and failing to answer bail.
- James Trott, 31, of Severn Avenue, Swindon, has been charged with assault by beating.
Both men will face Medway Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 3 September.
Police hammer down on football troublemakers
Chief Superintendent Simon Alland said Kent Police work tightly with football clubs to keep matches safe. He warned:
“While most fans behave perfectly, some ruin it for everyone and put others at risk. Last season alone, we arrested or interviewed 28 people for offences like fighting, hate crimes, flare lighting, and pitch invasions. We also helped kick out 65 troublemakers. Anyone caught risks joining the 42 Kent residents banned from all regulated matches nationwide.”
He added police will keep backing clubs to create a “safe and welcoming environment” as the new season kicks off.
Football policing beyond Kent
Kent Police don’t stop at the county border. On Thursday 7 August 2025, a 20-year-old man was jailed for almost three years at Birmingham Crown Court after admitting wounding with intent and affray. The attack involved him kicking a teenage boy in the face before an FA Cup tie between Solihull Moors and Maidstone United in November 2024. Kent officers recognised him from CCTV and arrested him for West Midlands Police.
The affray charge also related to trouble in Essex before Maidstone faced Southend United in 2023.
