Police warn fans to behave ahead of Palace v Charlton (From News Shopper)

Police warn fans to behave ahead of Palace v Charlton

8:31am Tuesday 30th September 2008 in

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FOOTBALL fans who engage in violence have been warned they could face jail ahead of tonight's south east London derby.

British Transport Police officers will be out in force for the game tonight between Crystal Palace and Charlton Athletic at Selhurst Park - which is expected to draw a 15,000 strong crowd.

At last year's fixture, fighting broke out on a train carrying Charlton Athletic supporters and members of the public including women, children and the elderly.

So far 10 Crystal Palace fans have been jailed for between 24 months to 40 months for their part in the disorder - described by the courts as "mob conduct at its worst".

They were also given football banning orders ranging from six to 10 years - preventing them from attending football matches in England and Wales and from entering any pub in the borough of Croydon during home matches.

They are also prevented from travelling on trains on any day when England or Crystal Palace play.

BTP football liaison officer PC Lee Garrett said: "This should serve as a stern warning to any football supporter who wants to engage in hooligan behaviour.

"The courts treat these incidents extremely seriously and if you engage in such offences you can expect to face jail and or be banned from attending matches."

He added: "We hope that fans will behave themselves during this fixture, although we're conscious that it's the first time the two sides have met at Selhurst Park since a serious disorder incident last year.

"We will have officers out in force across the rail network, including police dogs and the public order unit, and will be working with colleagues from the Met to ensure that fans get to and from the match in safety and that any potential trouble is dealt with as swiftly as possible."