AN UNEMPLOYED man from Woodford Green has been charged for his alleged part in a series of clashes between rival football fans last season.

Tom Walker, 20, of Turpins Lane, was arrested and charged yesterday (August 4) with affray following fighting between groups of Chelsea and Cardiff City supporters ahead of their FA Cup tie in February.

He is one of ten men who were arrested yesterday, in addition to a further 51 people who have already been charged.

On the morning of the match, around 100 Chelsea fans gathered in West Brompton before moving to Fulham Road.

Three coachloads of Cardiff City fans then arrived and fighting ensued, with the worst of the clashes resulting in smoke bombs being set off.

Police managed to break up the fights but after the match fans who had been inside the stadium, as well as those who had watched the match in pubs, made their way back to Fulham Road.

Officers intervened to try to prevent further violence but further fights involving hundreds of fans broke out in nearby Kings Road, where traffic cones and bricks were thrown and one officer sustained facial injuries which later required surgery.