Palace fans jailed for punching, kicking and head-butting train passengers

Crystal Palace fans who charged through train carriages and attacked rivals in a pre-planned riot have been jailed and banned from games for up to 10 years.

The violence happened before a game between Palace and their south London neighbours Charlton in September last year and police arrested fans whose ages ranged from 16 to 44.

Prosecutors told Judge Stephen Robbins on Thursday that some 30 Crystal Palace followers trapped Charlton supporters on the train, punching, kicking and head-butting them.

A father and his two grown-up sons were repeatedly punched, one of the sons left with blood pouring down his face and was later taken to hospital with a suspected fractured nose.

"This was sickening behaviour, thuggery, organised violence on a train on members of the public," Robbins said at Southwark Crown Court.

"You give football a bad name, especially your team, Crystal Palace, by the disgusting behaviour displayed on this occasion. The message must go out from the courts that those who behave like this will receive immediate and substantial custodial sentences to deter others."

He jailed two fans, Dominic Goodridge and Harvey Neenan, each for three years and four months. Three more were sentenced to 2½ years and two to two years.