Football fan denies assaulting Lincoln City players during game
He'll next appear in court in March
A football fan has appeared in court charged with assaulting two Lincoln City players during a match.
Gillingham FC supporter Ross Mitchell, 39, allegedly pushed Tayo Edun and Cohen Bramall in the chest after the players vaulted the barriers at Priestfield Stadium on August 7 this year.
The altercation occurred after Gillingham supporters allegedly abused the players when Edun scored in the fourth minute and celebrated near the home Rainham End stand.
Prosecutor Terry Knox said: "In short this is an assault by pushing two professional football players in Gillingham stadium.
"The defendant's case is this was self-defence and a pre-emptive strike."
The match ended in a 1-1 draw after Gillingham's Danny Lloyd scored a goal.
The match was the first home game for Gillingham after 526 days due to Covid restrictions.
Mitchell, of Arden Street, Gillingham, denies two counts of assault by beating.
The blond Gillingham supporter appeared at Medway Magistrates' Court dressed in a suit, speaking only to confirm his identity.
He was released on bail on the condition he does not attend any Gillingham FC matches or contact any prosecution witnesses directly or indirectly.
He will next appear in court for a two-day trial on March 22 at Maidstone Magistrates' Court.