Hessenthaler Fights Claims

Gills News
By Ben Woodall
February 27 2003

Gillinham player-manager Andy Hessenthaler will fight claims that he made abusive gestures towards Norwich fans on Tuesday at the Priestfield stadium.

It is alledged that at the end of the game,which the Gills won 1-0,Hessenthaler made the gestures.It is now thought that he has been reported to the FA after complaints from a police officer and a steward.

Hessenthaler flatly denies these allegations and said of the incident "A report has gone to the FA but I don't know if the matter will be pursued yet.I'm very upset by the situation. There was no rude gesture. I do it every week, especially if we have won, two fists clenched to our fans behind the goal.I'm very upset by the situation. There was no rude gesture. I do it every week, especially if we have won, two fists clenched to our fans behind the goal."

Hessenthaler will now play a waiting game as the FA decide whether to follow up these allegations made against him.