Gillingham defender Garry Richards is injured against Barnet on Tuesday night Picture: Barry Goodwin

by Luke Cawdell

A double leg fracture will keep Gillingham defender Garry Richards sidelined for the rest of the season.

The 25-year-old went down under a challenge from Barnet’s Izale McLeod and suffered a spiral fracture of the fibula.

“To say that I’m devastated is an understatement,” Richards tweeted.

He is due to see a specialist on Wednesday to see whether surgery is required.

Richards was inundated with get-well messages and replied: “A massive shout to all the team for all their wishes! Have a changing room full of special guys.”

The injury occurred just 14 minutes into Gills’ win over Barnet.

Boss Andy Hessenthaler confronted McLeod at the interval on Tuesday night, seeking an explanation over the challenge.

“I wasn’t happy and I needed to find out from him, whether it was accidental,” said the Gills boss, who was speaking before reviewing the DVD of the incident.

“My thoughts are with Garry. It over-shadowed a really good performance with a really young, patched-up side, which showed unbelievable endeavour and commitment to playing for Gillingham Football Club to win four games on the bounce.”