Gills apologise to Newport's Townsend over alleged racial abuse

Newport County goalkeeper Nick Townsend started his career with Birmingham City

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 [Tuesday'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.”

Newport state they are "extremely disappointed" to learn of the allegations and confirmed that, working with Kent Police, Townsend and Gillingham’s in-house Safety Team, they were able to identify the person who is alleged to have shouted the racial abuse.

"Newport County strongly condemns any forms of racism, prejudice or discrimination and has a zero-tolerance policy towards incidence of such nature," a club statement read.

"Townsend has the full backing of everyone at the football club and we are in constant dialogue with the player, ensuring he has all the support he needs."

Newport confirmed the matter is being investigated.

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 Alexandra.

Bogle recalled the incident as the English Football League [EFL] and its clubs recently united to relaunch the league's Together Against Racism campaign.

The initiative runs until 28 October 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.