NEWPORT County AFC striker Omar Bogle was the victim of a racist gesture after scoring at Gillingham.

Bogle put the Exiles 1-0 up from the penalty spot in the League Two fixture at Priestfield Stadium and then celebrated in front of the home fans.

Footage showed one supporter making a monkey gesture at the striker, with the County players immediately pointing out the abuse.

Referee Tom Reeves held a conversation with Bogle and captain Ryan Delaney before going to the touchline to report the incident to the managers, fourth official and steward.

Gillingham director of operations Joe Comper said on social media that the individual has been banned for life from Priestfield Stadium.

"Disgusting from one individual in the Rainham End. Arrested, and a lifetime ban from Priestfield issued," he put on X.

"Can’t thank the large number of fans from around the stadium who are clearly as enraged as us. We really appreciate your support."

"Newport County abhors any forms of racism, prejudice or discrimination and has a zero-tolerance policy towards incidence of such nature," said an Exiles statement.

"The EFL have confirmed that the individual has been identified and arrested."

Bogle posted a message on Instagram thanking those that had sent messages of support, plus the backing he received from the Gillingham players and staff.

“Listen, this problem is bigger than just football but in life, as we keep saying, there’s no place for racism," he said. “It’s 2023. Do better."

READ MORE: Bogle at the double in superb win - Report

South Wales Argus: REPORT: Referee Tom Reeves notes the abuse of Newport County's Omar Bogle, who is consoled by David PipeREPORT: Referee Tom Reeves notes the abuse of Newport County's Omar Bogle, who is consoled by David Pipe (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

Bogle went on to score a second from the penalty spot as County beat the promotion hopefuls 2-0.

"It's not nice, it's distasteful and there is no place for it in the game," said manager Graham Coughlan to BBC Radio Wales.

"I have competed against Gillingham for years and years and I don't think that represents the true Gillingham Football Club.

"That's just one or two mindless [supporters] and it's certainly a minority. It doesn’t represent the club, the people or the fans.

"It's a magnificent club with some really good people at it, that must be stressed.

"We can't tarnish the good name of this club because of one or two mindless idiots.

"It will be dealt with by the authorities and they [the officials] dealt with it swiftly, cool, calm and collectedly, so we thank them for that."

Gillingham caretaker manager Keith Millen shared the County boss' thoughts.

“It’s disgusting. It’s not acceptable. As a club we don’t accept it, it’s wrong," he said.

"It involved one person in a crowd, and thankfully the club have identified him and acted quickly. I feel sorry for the rest of the Gillingham fans as there are a lot of really good supporters here.”

Gillingham Supporters Club posted on X: "Disgusting behaviour which has no place in football and at Priestfield."

Sadly, it is the latest incident involving the Gills - in September they were fined £12,500 by the Football Association for three counts of misconduct following racist and sexist abuse by their supporters.