HEAVYWEIGHT police tactics – including the erection of a large steel wall to separate fans – were employed at Selhurst Park this week amid fears of serious violence.

Crystal Palace supporters reacted angrily to the "military operation" to keep them away from fans of arch-rivals Brighton after Tuesday evening's 1-1 clash.

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Measures included fans in the Arthur Wait stand being kept behind for 25 minutes while Brighton fans were allowed to leave the stadium.

But Chief Supt Adrian Roberts hit back at claims it was over-the-top, saying there was intelligence that disorder was imminent.

"While I understand their (the fans') frustration, I assure CPFC supporters that I considered such measures to be absolutely necessary in the interests of public safety," he said.

"Furthermore, these measures were implemented for the minimum time necessary to achieve the objective; and were justified by the fact that police had to respond to a confrontation between rival supporters at Norwood Junction after the game.

"Had this happened outside the ground – which I'm convinced it would had I not implemented these measures – then I have no doubt we would be discussing much more serious public disorder and many innocent fans would have been caught up in this."

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But supporters were unconvinced for the need of such a high police presence. Ben Simpson, 27, a Crystal Palace season ticket holder from Kenley said: "Police were kettling people on the main road to the station.

"The diversion cost me an hour and a half. It was massive overkill.

"The crowd went from being a tepid one to one ready to start trouble thanks to the police.

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"I'm a season ticket holder currently but I won't be renewing."

Andy Saunders, 37, who was at the game on Tuesday night, but recently gave up his season ticket after getting fed-up with fans being treated like cattle, said: "There were so many police; it was like a military operation. I've never seen anything like it with the wall at the top of Holmesdale Road. Fans were herded towards Norwood Junction and kettled on the way."

Amanda Jacks, a caseworker for the Football Supporters Federation, dealing with the many complaints made by Palace supporters said: "Fans are clearly very upset and I want to ensure this goes to the highest level so that action is taken.

"It's very rare for fans to be so vociferous in complaining about their treatment."

She added that fans' reasonable requests, such as "how long are we going to be contained?" were reportedly met with abrupt responses from police officers.

Laurence Laker-Mansfield, 18, of Steynton Avenue, Bexley, was charged with assaulting a police officer.

Nathan Atwood, 36, of Duppas Hill Terrace, Croydon, was charged with possession of an offensive weapon.

Both are due to appear at Croydon Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.