Gillingham FC statement sparks huge debate - “Has this ever happened before anywhere else?" | OneFootball

Gillingham FC have seen forward Garath McCleary hit with an unusual punishment

Gillingham FC forward Garath McCleary has been handed a two-match ban following last week's late and controversial 2-2 draw with Bromley - and it's prompted a strong reaction from both the Kent club and their fans.

The Gills have started the 2025/26 League Two campaign in flying form, picking up 15 points from their first seven games to head the table at this moment in time.

Gareth Ainsworth’s side are one of two sides in the fourth-tier yet to taste a league defeat, which highlights just how well they are operating.

The division’s two undefeated outfits met last time out, as Bromley and Gillingham went head-to-head. The Ravens raced into a two-goal lead before Ainsworth and co managed to claw one back early in the second half.

Late on in the day, McCleary won a penalty in suspicious circumstances, which was subsequently dispatched by Max Clark in the 90+8th minute to salvage a draw.

As a result, the 38-year-old was charged by the FA with “a clear act of simulation”. The FA’s regulatory commission found the charge to be proven after a hearing and handed McCleary a two-match ban.

This verdict has not gone down well with sections of the Gills' fanbase, who are confused about how such a punishment has been deemed necessary.

Gillingham FC supporters fume at Garath McCleary ban

After the decision was announced by Gillingham, a large number of the club’s supporters were outraged and made sure their opinion was heard.

“Sorry?” stated one supporter. “How is it our fault for the refs own incompetence. Ridiculous.”

“Has this ever happened before anywhere else?” commented another. “Absolutely mad.”

Another Gills supporter believes the decision to slap McCleary with a ban is a "joke".

It wasn’t just Gillingham fans who were left fuming by the FA’s decision to impose a two-match ban on McCleary. In fact, supporters of other clubs have joined in to voice their confusion over the matter too.

“This is absurd,” began an Aston Villa fan. “The ref made their decision and the pen was scored. By banning him, surely Bromley could now have a cause to legally request the game be replayed and take it through the courts? It won’t happen, but football is starting to go into an odd place.”

Garath McCleary decision could set a dangerous precident for other EFL decisions

Week after week, minute by minute, during every game played in the EFL, there will always be contentious decisions that are made by referees.

Although some judgements are deemed more agreeable than others, there will always be debate, which is simply the nature of professional sport.

Sometimes referees throughout the EFL make mistakes, but without a VAR system, an element of human error will always be found in every 90 minutes that is contested.

However, the retroactive punishment that has been handed to McCleary now sets a dangerous precedent.

Just last season, Bristol City’s Yu Hirakawa blatantly handled the ball to score during a 3-1 victory against Preston North End. This was missed by the match officials but was clearly against the laws of play.

No action was taken post-match, but the FA have clearly decided to take a different stance in this scenario.

The legitimacy of McCleary’s penalty can be debated and Bromley supporters can rightly feel aggrieved for missing out on two points.

That said, the FA have now set a dangerous precedent which could be used against them by supporters throughout this season.