NEWPORT County AFC striker Omar Bogle believes being subjected to racist abuse at Gillingham laid bare the challenges still facing football.

A Gills fan, who has autism and dyspraxia, was this week given 40 hours of community service and ordered to pay £200 in compensation to Bogle after an incident at Priestfield Stadium at the end of October.

They made a monkey gesture at the Exiles striker when he celebrated the first of two penalties in the 2-0 win in Kent.

“We got the penalty, I score and did the 'be quiet' gesture [putting his finger to his lips] and I remember that as I was running to the corner I was hearing monkey chants,” said Bogle to Sky Sports in an interview recorded last November.

“Then I saw my teammates reaction with Will [Evans] especially pointing at him. It shocks you because I have never experienced that.”

The incident was reported to referee Tom Reeves, who then informed both managers, the fourth official and stewards.

Burchell had already been removed and was banned for life by Gillingham in the immediate aftermath.

Bogle, who is currently on the comeback trail from an injury, finished the game and helped County bag three points.

“On the coach I remember sitting there on the long journey back and at one point I almost shed a tear,” said the experienced forward.

“I had the feeling of 'I could shed a tear here' when thinking about it when it was all sinking in.”

Bogle has had a successful career featuring spells at Wigan, Cardiff and Grimsby among other clubs, while he was County’s top scorer last season with 19 goals in all competitions.

South Wales Argus: Newport County striker Omar Bogle at GillinghamNewport County striker Omar Bogle at Gillingham (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“There is a part me that I am glad it was so blatant and obvious,” he reflected. “It's something people can't deny, it's still in our game and prevalent in life.

“There are some things that I know and feel are racially motivated in the industry, in life, in football.

“Racism has shown up throughout my life, from lack of opportunities, stigmas and judgement that I have had to experience, and other black players and black people in general [have to].

“Let's take that game, before I scored the energy towards me and reaction from their supporters was crazy. I could see the hate in people's faces when they are shouting abuse at me and all the rest of it.

“The first thing somebody would say to that would be that it's because they consider me as a main player for our team and they want to throw me off my game.

“If you want to deal with the facts, our top scorer is Will Evans so if anyone is a threat it's him. There is no hate directed at him, so why is it directed at me?”.