Charlton Athletic

Charlton fan up before beak after ‘attempt’ at punching eagle

Many strange things happen on a football pitch in particular, and in football in general. But attempting to punch a 25-year-old bald eagle? Really?

Apparently so, this strange thing has not only happened, but it has also resulted in criminal charges being brought against one punch-happy Charlton Athletic fan according to an article in the Telegraph.

Addicks fan Daniel Boylett, who is 35, has denied charges of criminal damage brought about as emanating from his alleged attempt to land one on the beak of Kayla, a 25-year-old eagle who has been part of the pre-match set-up at Crystal Palace since 2010.

The Telegraph say that Boylett was reported to be one of a group of Charlton Athletic fans “who were hoping to target” the Palace mascot during a 2015 EFL game at Selhurst Park that ended in a 4-1 loss for Charlton.

Kayla’s handler, Chris Belsey, was parading the bald eagle around the pitchside when he came across “three or four fans” shouting abuse and one, said to be Boylett, leaned over a barrier and took a swipe at the bird.

Prosecutor Daniel Higgins said that: “Mr Belsey is unsure if the punch directed at the eagle had landed. He pulled Kayla away slightly to keep her from any further attack and then walked away.”

The alleged avian assault is not the first time that a football fan has been said to have ruffled feathers at a football fixture. Back in 2013 a Newcastle United fan, 45-year-old Barry Rogerson, was jailed for 12 months and banned from football for six years after punching police horse Bud at the Tyne-Wear derby.

Previous Article
, Leeds United defender Jansson explains fan ‘snub’ as disappointment

Leeds United defender Jansson explains fan 'snub' as disappointment

Next Article
Brighton & Hove Albion

Brighton midfielder sent home from international duty

Related Posts