Two Charlton fans who took smoke grenades to a match between Gillingham and Charlton have been banned from going to games.

Charles Priston, of Bladindon Drive, Bexley, was arrested at the game in September and charged with possessing a smoke grenade.

The 24-year-old pleaded guilty at Medway Magistrates Court and was given a three-year football banning order, and fined £215.

Brogue Stevens, 20, of Faversham, was charged with throwing a smoke grenade and possessing an offensive weapon at the same match.

At the same haering, on October 10, Stevens pleaded guilty to both offences and was handed a five-year footballing ban, a 60 day suspended prison sentence and fined £200.

Kent police’s dedicated football officer PC Geoff Greensmith said: “A small minority of fans put themselves and others in danger by throwing pyrotechnics at football matches.

“We will continue to work closely with all local football clubs and where incidents such as this occur, we will identify and bring to justice those responsible.

“The overwhelming majority of football fans are well-behaved and passionate about their teams, and ensuring their safety while they enjoy the game is our number one priority.”

The match ended in Charlton Athletic losing 1 - 0. The game was watched by more than 7,000 people.