A black footballer who claims he was released from his club after being racially discriminated against will take his case to an employment tribunal today.
Mark McCammon, 33, alleges that he and other black players at League Two club Gillingham were treated differently from white players.
The case comes at a time of concern about racism in football, particularly at the Euro 2012 championship where host nations Poland and Ukraine faced scrutiny over their "ultra" fans' behaviour.
It also comes ahead of the trial of England star John Terry on charges of racially abusing QPR's Anton Ferdinand. Terry denies the charges.
McCammon, a Barbados international striker, signed a three-year contract with Gillingham in 2008, and was released three seasons later.
The former Charlton, Swindon, Millwall and Brighton player signed with Lincoln City on loan in March until the end of the season.
He is suing Gillingham and their chairman Paul Scally for race discrimination, breach of contract, unfair dismissal and failure of his ex-employer to pay him.
It is understood he will claim that he and other black players were treated less favourably than white players in terms of punishments handed out for missing training, medical treatments and pay cuts following the club's relegation.
The case will be heard over four days at an employment tribunal in Ashford, Kent.
A spokesman for Gillingham said in February: "The allegations made by Mark McCammon are wholly rejected by the club. It would not be appropriate for the club to comment further until the employment tribunal hearing has taken place."
