Gillingham chairman Paul Scally to challenge FA penalties over race row

Gillingham chairman Paul Scally has confirmed that he will challenge the Football Association penalties imposed upon him in relation to the dismissal of former striker Mark McCammon in 2011.

The governing body opened an investigation last year after an employment tribunal ruled that McCammon was sacked unlawfully as an act of racial discrimination.

As a result, the FA has issued a £75,000 fine on the League One club and Scally himself.

In a statement released via Gillingham's official website, Scally said: "I am shocked, stunned and angered by this decision, as are my staff at the club. The level of these sanctions is manifestly excessive, totally disproportionate and completely unjust.

"We have been given no reasoned explanation for the severity of the fines. The club and I will be appealing against this decision and, if necessary, we will take the matter beyond the FA."

Scally went on to note that the FA's regulatory commission did not find evidence of "any actual race discrimination" against McCammon.