Source : Press Association
Police carried out dawn raids today in a clampdown on violence at Millwall football matches.
Scotland Yard said 16 people were arrested as part of Operation Devine, the Metropolitan Police response to disorder at Millwall games by both home and away supporters.
A spokesman said the raids followed phase one of the operation on March 21, which saw 10 men arrested and charged with violent disorder.
Additional suspects were identified from CCTV footage recovered from within Millwall's ground during recent matches.
All those arrested were identified at disturbances during the Millwall v Wolves game on January 21 and the Millwall v Crystal Palace match on February 18, which involved Crystal Palace supporters, the spokesman said.
"Today's arrests, which took place at addresses in both London and Hertfordshire, demonstrate the robust approach taken to tackle those who seek to act violently in the name of football," he said.
Police will seek to gain banning orders on those arrested which will prevent them entering all Premiership, League and Conference grounds.
Superintendent BJ Harrington, leading Operation Devine, said: "Those identified and arrested as part of today's pre-planned operation have used the veneer of football to legitimise senseless violence.
"We recognise that the majority of football fans just want to enjoy the game, and as such we know that they, and the football clubs involved, support all police activity in removing violent disorder from in and around the grounds.
"We will work closely with the courts to ensure that banning orders are imposed, which in turn will prevent them from causing any further trouble at future matches."
Millwall chief executive Ken Brown said: "The success of Operation Devine is good news for football fans and good news for Millwall Football Club.
"It sends out a clear message that the minority who seek to use football matches as an excuse to exhibit violent behaviour will be prosecuted. We operate a zero tolerance policy in respect of such behaviour at Millwall and fully support the police in their initiative.
"The vast majority of decent law-abiding fans who watch matches at The Den can be reassured they will continue to be able to watch football in a safe environment."
Crystal Palace Football Club management added: "Behaviour of this nature by a small number of our supporters - be it at home games or away - is unacceptable and brings the club into disrepute. We promote ourselves as a family club and will continue to work closely with the police to stamp it out of the game."
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