We sincerely regret last night’s events and are hugely saddened by them, says Thamesmead Town chairman Paul Bowden-Brown

THAMESMEAD TOWN chairman Paul Bowden-Brown has condemned the acts of violence that marred the club’s pre-season game against Clapton at Bayliss Avenue last night.

The Mead were beating the Essex Senior League outfit 2-0 courtesy of goals from Baff Addae and George Benner before the game was abandoned after 20 minutes after a serious public disorder incident broke out between two rival groups at the perimeter of the club’s ground.

Mr Bowden-Brown issued the following statement on the club’s website tonight.

“This is a mindless act thought to be pre-mediated 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.”

A statement issued by the Metropolitan Police said: “At approximately 20:10hrs on Tuesday 4 August officers who were on duty at Thamesmead Town Football Club witnessed a group of individuals throw items towards a second group leading to a short period of disorder.

“Officers including the Territorial Support Group and a police helicopter attended.

“The group was dispersed and a short time later, officers stopped approximately 40 people who had boarded a bus nearby.

“Two people have been treated for head injuries. Enquires continue.”

Mr Bowden-Brown added: “I would like to reiterate to all Thamesmead Town Football Club is a community club with a proud tradition in the local area.

“We have recently embarked upon a campaign to make us the most family-friendly club in the Ryman League, with a £30 family season ticket, fun days, special offers and an inclusive junior and youth team set-up.

“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’s diverse and resilient local community.”

Visit Thamesmead Town’s website: www.thamesmeadtownfc.com