Spooner's trailing man in protective clothing (4,4)

I believe the answer is:

riot gear

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'protective clothing' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for riot gear that I've seen before include "What police use to control" , "protective clothing" , "It's worn by police" , "Clobber with truncheon maybe" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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