Chairman Paul Bowden-Brown has apologised after crowd trouble at the friendly between Thamesmead Town and Clapton.

During Tuesday night’s pre-season friendly match between Thamesmead Town Football Club and Clapton FC a serious public disorder incident broke out between two rival groups at the perimeter of the Club’s ground at Bayliss Avenue in Thamesmead.

The Chairman of Thamesmead Town Football Club Paul Bowden-Brown 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.”

A statement issued by the Metropolitan Police reads as follows:

“At approximately 20:10hrs on Tuesday 4th August officers who were on duty at Thamesmead Town Football Club on Bayliss Avenue, SE28 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 were dispersed and a short time later, officers stopped approximately 40 people who had boarded a bus nearby.”

“Officers remain at the scene. Two people have been treated for head injuries. Enquiries continue.”

Paul Bowden-Brown continued:

“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 Tuesday 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.”