Charlton Athletic supporters arrested following racist train chants
1:05pm Wednesday 25th January 2012 in News By Alan Woods
A man is led away by British Transport Police detectives as part of Operation Midas
AN INVESTIGATION into racist chanting has led detectives to arrest nine football fans across south London this morning.
The supporters were arrested early today (January 25) from addresses in Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich and Lewisham as part of Operation Midas.
They are accused of chanting racist songs on a train between Putney and Waterloo on January 7, following a third-round FA Cup fixture at Fulham.
The fans – believed to be Charlton Athletic supporters – were rowdy and intimidating throughout the journey according to police.
Among the suspects were two 23-year-olds from Abbey Wood as well as a further two men from the area, aged 21 and 24.
A 30-year old from Kidbrooke, a 21-year-old from Woolwich and a 24-year-old from Deptford were also arrested.
A 20-year-old from Orpington and a 30-year-old from Lee completed the nine.
They were all taken to a north London police station for questioning.
British Transport Police Detective Inspector Ashley Cooper said: “My team of detectives have worked quickly to gather evidence and coupled with excellent CCTV footage, intelligence reports and statements from witnesses, we’ve been able to move swiftly and make this morning’s arrests.
“This minority blight the rail journeys of many ordinary passengers and stain the reputation of the game and the country.
“We’ve had great success dealing with these types of crimes and serious incidents are on the decline.
“However, by working closely with clubs, the rail industry, and football authorities, we’re making inroads into tackling the type of anti-social behaviour that can ruin match days for law-abiding fans and members of the public.”
Charlton Athletic chief executive Stephen Kavanagh said: “This kind of abhorrent behaviour is totally condemned by our club and in addition to assisting the police, for our own part we will be seeking to ban for life anyone who is found guilty of racially offensive chanting.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting incident B11/LSA.
meatmadras says...
10:49am Fri 27 Jan 12
It makes a change from Millwall's name being dragged through the mud! Although I'm sure they'll find some excuse to pin the blame on the Lions....