Charlton fan 'threw punch at Crystal Palace's eagle mascot amid football violence'
TOM POWELL a day ago
The Evening Standard
Wednesday 22nd March 2017
A Charlton Athletic fan punched Crystal Palace's eagle mascot as violence broke out during a football match, a court heard.
The Palace mascot named Kayla, a 25-year-old American bald eagle, was targeted by the rival supporter during a Capital One third-round tie at Selhurst Park, Croydon Crown Court was told.
Charlton fan Daniel Boylett, 36, of Eltham, south east London, denies attempted criminal damage in the alleged attack on Kayla in September 2015.
Boylett appeared in the dock alongside Colin Kitto, 49, of Eltham, Andy McConville, 48, of Rochester, Kent, Billy Cowcher, 32, of Greenwich, south east London and Sam Donegan, 25, of Welling, Bexley, in south London, who face charges over the violence.
Kayla's handler Chris Belsey had been walking her around the pitch on his forearm when a punch was thrown from the crowd, the jury heard.
Kayla's handler Chris Belsey said he had been walking her around the pitch on his forearm when a punch was thrown from the crowd
Prosecutor Daniel Higgins said: "As he passed the stand he noticed three or four fans were shouting abuse and one of these three or four lent over the barrier and threw a punch directed at Kayla.
"Mr Belsey is unsure if the punch directed at the eagle had landed.
"He pulled Kayla away slightly to keep her from any further attack and then walked away."
Mr Higgins said Kayla "seemed unhurt" but added "due to her delicate bone structure if she had been hit with force, her bones could easily break".
He said there "is no dispute" Boylett threw the punch but questions may surround whether he intended worse to happen.
Boylett, Kitto and McConville each deny two counts of violent disorder. Cowcher and Donegan each also deny a charge of violent disorder.
The derby game, which Charlton lost 4-1, had turned ugly before a ball had even been kicked. Mr Higgins told the jury there "was disorder at the match before, during and after" the game.
The trial continues.
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.