A MAN has been charged after being found in possession of a smoke grenade at a football match at Southend United on Saturday.

Joe Randall, 18, of Elham Close, Gillingham, was arrested inside the football ground at Roots Hall just after 2.30pm on Saturday.

He was later charged with being drunk trying to enter a designated sports ground at a time during the period of a designated sporting event.

Randall was also charged with having a smoke grenade while trying to enter a designated sports ground at a time during the period of a designated sporting event.

He had been released on police bail pending an appearance at Southend Magistrates Court on September 9.

The alleged offence took place shortly before the opening match of the League One season at Roots Hall, between Southend United and Gillingham, which was won 3-1 by the away team.