SWINDON Town could look at ways of allowing fans to watch the Robins’ visit to Priestfield on April 21 if Gillingham are unable to resolve their dispute with Kent Police, writes ANDY WARREN.

The disagreement over the cost of policing has threatened to force the game at Priestfield to be played behind closed doors, on a day when Town could clinch the League Two title.

Medway Council have slapped a prohibition order on the club meaning supporters will not be allowed to attend the game, but work is ongoing to resolve the situation.

It has been suggested the game could be televised at the County Ground, but chief executive Nick Watkins is not keen to discuss details while the situation could still be resolved.

“We are conscious of the situation at Gillingham,” he said.

“The club have been in contact with chairman Paul Scally, and it is his issue to resolve with the local police force how he sees fit.

“Once we are fully aware of the outcome of those conversations, and if we are faced with a situation where there are no fans at that game, we will have to look at ways of potentially showing the match. But at this stage we have no further comment to make.”

The confusion surrounding the game has left fans feeling angry and frustrated.

Town have not sold any tickets for the fixture, but supporters’ club chairman Nigel Bennett said many fans had already arranged their travel and hotels.

“A lot of fans have already booked train tickets and hotels well in advance to get the best deals, and if things stay as they are they will have wasted their money,” he said.

“This has all come from a break down in a relationship between the club and the police, and it is bad for football.

“We all understand the policing of football is an important issue, but it really can not cost all that much, surely.

“It will be really sad if, on a day when we can end up winning the league, there are no fans there to see it. Winning a championship is very rare for a team like Swindon, so I am sure a lot of people will have wanted to have gone to the game.

“I really hope it is resolved, but if it is not, I hope Swindon can explore all the options to ensure fans have access to the game.”