Gillingham’s kick-off time against Crawley Town on Boxing Day moved on advice of Kent Police

Gillingham’s Boxing Day fixture against Crawley Town has been moved to an earlier kick-off on the advice of Kent Police.

The match at Priestfield was due to start at 3pm but has been moved to a 1pm kick-off time.

Both clubs received punishment from the FA earlier this season following an on-field incident at the end of the match at Crawley.

The Gills were fined £3,000 after being found guilty by the football association of failing to ensure their players and/or technical area occupants conducted themselves in an orderly fashion at the end of the game.

David Livermore, then the Gills assistant manager, was also fined £1,400 for his part in the post-match fracas.

Departed Gills boss Neil Harris said at the time it was down to “sour grapes” and was just “handbags”.

Following that same match Crawley Town issued a statement following “certain threats and abuse” directed towards a Gillingham player.

Gillingham have in recent months raided Crawley for two of their star players, signing Tom Nichols and Ashley Nadesan. Their manager Scott Lindsey has also been linked with the vacant managerial position at Priestfield.

A statement from the Gills said: “The game was initially due to be played at 3pm but, following dialogue with Kent Police, all parties agreed to kick-off two hours earlier.”

Crawley said the kick-off time was “moved on the advice of Kent Police.”