Crystal Palace and Brighton fans punished for Caledonian Road violence

Nine football fans have been found guilty of violent disorder following an organised mass brawl in Caledonian Road.

The violence, which took place on the evening of November 10 2012, was between a group of around 60 Crystal Palace and Brighton and Hove Albion supporters.

The two sets of fans met after they had been drinking in separate pubs in the area – squaring off in the middle of the road and throwing glass bottles, litter bins and even shop display boards.

Several separate fights erupted and the violence only stopped when the police arrived, causing the thugs to run off.

After a thorough and lengthy investigation coordinated by officers from Islington Borough and Operation Arrowtip a total of 20 men were arrested in connection with the incident resulting in the charging of 12.

The longest sentence was handed out to, Richard Kepner, 46, of Church Lane Arundal, West Sussex, who was given a 14 month prison sentence and a six year Football Banning Order.

Superintendent Andy Barnes, from the Specialist Crime and Operations Directorate, said: “The MPS has worked closely with colleagues from Kent, Surrey and Sussex Police to bring these offenders to justice.

“The custodial sentences so far handed out by the court to individuals together with the banning orders shows how seriously football related violence is taken by those organisations within the criminal justice system.”