A large scale fight, believed to have involved around 100 'football hooligans', broke out during a match at Thamesmead Town FC on Tuesday (August 4).

Videos shared on social media filmed by footballers training on the neighbouring pitch show a large group of people clashing before police intervened.

Today (August 6) chairman of Thamesmead Town FC Paul Bowden-Brown issued a statement, saying the club was "hugely saddened" by the violence which broke on the club's grounds in Bayliss Avenue.

He said: "This is a mindless act thought to be pre meditated by a minority who wanted to cause havoc at a friendly game of football at a family oriented club.
 
"Thamesmead Town Football Club players, and supporters had no involvement in this disappointing incident.

"I would like to reiterate to all Thamesmead Town Football Club is a Community Club with a proud tradition in the local area. 
 
"We sincerely regret last night’s events and are hugely saddened by them, and I apologise to all those innocent parties that were caught up in them but this incident will not distract us from
our goal of playing entertaining football in front of a growing crowd drawn from Thamesmead diverse and resilient local community."
 
 Eyewitnesses claim a group of around people were waiting for Clapton fans to arrive before they stormed the grounds armed with bats, batons and flares.

Met Police officers from the Bexley borough have now launched an investigation using CCTV analysis into the incident in which around 100 people were fighting and 'missiles' were thrown.

Many of those fighting were wearing masks and using weapons.

Chief Superintendent Jeff Boothe, Bexley Borough Commander, said: “Thamesmead Town Football Club is a quiet club with a nearby sports centre.

“It is unacceptable that the match had to be abandoned because of the mindless behaviour of those who were obviously intent on causing trouble."

The Chief Supt said patrols have been stepped up in the area and urged witnesses to come forward with information.

No arrests have been made and enquiries continue.

Thamesmead Town and Clapton FC supporters both deny any involvement in starting the violence, claiming the fighting was caused by a group of 'far-right supporters' connected with the EDL.

In a statement Clapton FC chief executive, Vincent McBean, said: "There was some walking wounded on both sides, cuts to the head from flying debris, but nothing more serious I understand. One Clapton fan went to hospital for treatment as a precaution.

"Thamesmead Town, the club or their fans, were not involved and were very apologetic, and Clapton would like to thank them for all their efforts and the hospitality provided.

"Clapton will be looking at the security of our supporters with the help of the police and other experts.

"Our stance of to welcome everyone regardless of race colour, creed etc will always remain. There is a lot of information on social media regarding last night, some are very concerning, the football family and the authorities must address this."

The east London club's fans the Clapton Ultras, are known for their multicultural, anti-racist stance and vocal support during games which has in the past prompted attacks from far-right groups.

In a statement released by the fanbase, a spokesperson said they had received 'threatening messages from a fascist group' prior to the match.

They said: "As we arrived at the game around 15 minutes after kick off and began to enter, Clapton fans were immediately attacked with weapons and missiles by a large group already present inside the ground, who threw glasses, bottles, bricks, signs and a fire extinguisher at Clapton fans, the vast majority of which had not been able to even enter the ground.

"Clapton fans have no history or rivalry with Thamesmead fans and this attack was not made by Thamesmead fans.

"The attackers sang racist chants as they pelted Clapton fans with missiles.

"This was a planned attack, orchestrated by fascists and their allies as a politically motivated assault on Clapton fans for our politics of anti-sexism, anti-homophobia, anti-racism and anti-fascism."

One eyewitness, who asked not to be named, was at the ground to support her son in the younger team when the commotion kicked off. 

She told News Shopper: "We were sitting chatting, as we turned around you could see a swarm of them coming through the car park.

"It was worrying. It was like watching a scene out of Green Street.

"These people that came up, they came up to cause trouble."

Reports indicate Thamesmead Town were playing Clapton in a pre-season friendly when the fight began.

The game, in which Thamesmead Town were up by two goals, was reportedly abandoned following the brawl as players took shelter inside.

In one video people can be heard chanting racist slurs as they exit the grounds. 

 

 

Did you see what happened? Get in touch at jessica.bell@london.newsquest.co.uk.