Hertfordshire police have condemned a minority of Crystal  Palace fans after they injured two of their own supporters during Palace’s 2-2 draw with Watford.

Jon Boutcher, Assistant Chief Constable at Hertfordshire Police, wrote an open letter to Palace fans saying he was disappointed with the behaviour of a minority of fans.

A handful of Palace supporters let off flares in the away end and more than 50 seats were broken.

Mr Boutcher said a number of seats were thrown, one of which hit and injured two Palace fans who had to be treated by the side of the pitch.

He said: “The discharge of fireworks in such a confined area of people can obviously result in significant and life changing injuries to those in close proximity.

“A seat did hit two Crystal Palace fans causing head injuries and it does not take much imagination to appreciate how serious it could have been.

“I appeal to the very small group of supporters responsible for these actions to stop such behaviour otherwise the consequences to innocent people may be severe.”

He added: “It would be very sad to see the excellent reputation that your football club enjoys with other supporters being tarnished by such behaviour.”

Mr Boutcher also wished Crystal Palace luck for the rest of the season.