Wednesday 11 April 2012 14:32, UK
Kent Police say it is "not acceptable" to expect taxpayers to foot the bill for policing costs when Gillingham host Swindon on April 21.
Medway Council have issued a prohibition order, preventing any fans from attending the match at the Priestfield Stadium, until a dispute involving the Gills and the local police is resolved. Chief Superintendent Alasdair Hope said in a statement: "The safety of all fans attending this football match is our main priority and we are not prepared for their safety to be compromised. "The provision of an appropriate number of police officers inside the stadium is essential, and the cost of this must be met by Gillingham FC. "To expect Kent Police and the taxpayer to subsidise a commercial event is not acceptable. Commercial enterprises across the country pay for the policing of their events, including football matches, and no-one is exempt. "Medway Council as the licensing authority has served a prohibition notice on Gillingham FC and discussions are ongoing between Kent Police and the club to address the safety issues."
