Three men have appeared in court charged with violent disorder after allegedly getting involved in a ruckus at a football match where an eagle was punched.

Kayla, who lives at Eagle Heights, Eynsford, has been Crystal Palace’s mascot since 2010 and flies around the ground before kick-off at every home game.

Andy McConville, 47, from Rochester was apprehended on November 18 following the violence that broke out during the game at the Capital One Cup match against Charlton Athletic in September.

Daniel Boylett, 35, of Altash Way, Eltham, is accused of throwing the punch, and was charged with attempted criminal damage to the value of approximately £20,000, which is how much the American bald eagle is thought to be worth.

Colin Kitto, 48, of Eltham, appeared alongside Boylett and McConville, at Croydon Magistrates’ Court and all three are charged with violent disorder after allegedly becoming involved in crowd trouble, including clashes with police, at the game, which Palace won 4-1. They all pleaded not guilty.

Boylett did not enter a plea to the attempted criminal damage allegation.

They were bailed to appear at Croydon Crown Court on April 26 and must not attend designated football matches or any town or London borough on a day Charlton are playing there.