Gillingham's opening league match of the season against Wimbledon FC Ltd on Saturday, August 10, may be played in a near-empty stadium, writes Tony Hudd.
More fans could be outside the ground as both sets of supporters make a peaceful protest by forming a human chain that will snake around the ground.
The protest is designed to raise awareness of Wimbledon supporters' plight after the Football Association controversially agreed to allow WFC Ltd to relocate 70 miles from their fan base to Milton Keynes.
Boycott
Increasing numbers of Gillingham supporters are ready to stay away in sympathy with pleas from Wimbledon fans to boycott the match irrespective or whether it is played at Milton Keynes or at Selhurst Park.
Charles Koppel's statement this week that there was only a 50-50 chance of the match being played at Milton Keynes, and that the club were likely to start the season at Selhurst Park, has done nothing to defuse the situation.
Gillingham season ticket holder Keith Pestell said: "If Gillingham moved 70 miles away from Medway how would Gills fans feel?
"If AFC Wimbledon are playing that day I will go and watch. Alternatively, Gills' supporters will play the Wimbledon supporters in a match."
July 9, 2002 13:30
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