Football Fan Arrested For Punching Poppy During Minute Silence

Football fan Andy Phelan, 30, has been arrested by Islington police after he punched a poppy in front of World War II veteran Kenneth Edmonds, 89, in protest against the hatrick of minute silences during todays matches.

Veteran paratrooper Kenneth, who lost his wallet during the battle of Arnhem, told responding officers how a raging Mr  Phelan walked up to his stand outside Sainsbury's, donated 50p, and proceeded to 'punch the life out of the poppy.'

[Above] Andy Phelan on his 30th birthday

'I couldn't believe my eyes,' Kenneth recounted. 'Seeing that brought everything back.  My military training kicked-in and I restrained Mr Reynolds, who kept shouting 'f*cking Poyet' until the police arrived.'  

Passers-by described Mr Phelan as being in a 'trance-like state'.

Kenneth was accompanied by 96 year old veteran Albert, who due to an injury sustained during the battle of Dunkirk was unable to aid Kenneth in his struggle with the crazed fan.  'It's lucky Albert had his eyes shot out by the Luftwaffe, otherwise Mr Reynolds would have been bang in trouble,' Kenneth remarked.  'Bang in trouble.'   

DCI Sarah Jones, who was first to arrive at the scene, described Mr Phelan's behaviour as, 'a total lack of respect.  Every day British soldiers execute wounded Taliban fighters so football fans, like Mr Phelan, can watch a soul destroying Newcastle win over Tottenham.' 

'I just hope the spectacle hasn't detracted from the poppy as a symbol of remembrance, and the source of heroine that funds the Taliban.'  She gushed.