A man who punched Crystal Palace’s eagle mascot has been jailed and banned from attending matches.

Daniel Boylett was one of four men from south east London convicted for disorder at the Crystal Palace versus Charlton Athletic cup game in September 2015.

Colin Kitto, Boylett, Sam Donnegan and Billy Cowcher were all sentenced at Croydon Crown Court on Friday (April 28) for the disturbance.

Kitto, 49, of Middle Park Avenue, Eltham, was jailed for 18 months after previously being found guilty of committing violent disorder on Clifton Road in Selhurst prior to the game. He was also issued a six-year Football Banning Order.

Daniel Boylett, 36, of Altash Way, Eltham, was jailed for 21 months after previously being found guilty of violent disorder in the ground at Selhurst Park for fighting with stewards during the game. 

Boylett was also found guilty of attempted criminal damage, after being shown trying to punch Kayla, the American Bald Eagle used as a mascot by Crystal Palace shortly after Kayla had finished a flying display before the game. He was issued with a six-year Football Banning Order.

Sam Donnegan, 25 of Porthkerry Avenue, Welling, was jailed for nine months, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to complete 150 hours unpaid work, and ordered to pay £1,000 costs after previously being found guilty of affray in Holmesdale Road in Croydon after the game.

Donnegan was arrested after throwing a weighted traffic cone towards Crystal Palace Supporters. He was issued with a three-year Football Banning Order.

Billy Cowcher, 32 of Glasbrook Road, Eltham, was jailed for 12 months, suspended for two years, given 200 hours unpaid work requirement, and ordered to pay £1,000 costs after previously pleading guilty to violent disorder inside Selhurst Park, after he attacked stewards. He was given a three-year Football Banning Order

All four men were convicted on Friday, (31 March) at Croydon Crown Court.

Detective Sergeant Andy Collin, from Croydon Borough, said: "Violence amongst supporters has no place in football; be it before, during or after a match. The trial Judge described the violence that night as serious and sustained.

"These sentences show that anyone who chooses to engage in violence will be pursued by officers and placed before the courts to answer for their behaviour. Twenty-one people have now been sentenced for their part in that night's disorder

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