THE boss of Grays Athletic appeared in court today (Friday) accused of attempting to organise a football factory style brawl between rival fans.
The case was adjourned until 7 February.
Andrew Swallow, 52, the chief executive of the non-league club, is said to have been part of a group who tried to set up a violent clash between Millwall and West Ham fans in January.
Swallow spoke only to confirm his name at the hearing at Inner London Crown Court.
Swallow faces a single charge of conspiring to commit violent disorder with Shane Flexon and Mark Irving, both 26, his brother Westley Irving, 35, Aidan Andrews, 40, and Shaun Sheridan, 25.
The charge relates to alleged activity before the FA Cup 3rd round fixture between Dagenham and Redbridge and Millwall FC on January 7.
Police stopped yobs clashing in Dagenham following a tip off that West Ham fans planned to ambush Millwall rivals.
The charges concern an incident outside a pub in Dagenham on the same day.
Businessman Swallow took over at Grays in 2009.
The club, who sit second in the Ryman League Division One North, have been groundless since 2010 when their Bridge Road ground was sold.
They currently play at the West Ham training ground in Rush Green Road, Romford.
Swallow, of Michigan House, Biscayne Avenue, Docklands, Shane Flexon of College Road, Wiltshire, Mark Irving of Ingleby Road, Dagenham, brother Westley Irving, of Oxlow Lane, Dagenham, Aidan Andrews of Prospect House, St James Square, Bermondsey and Shaun Sheridan of Stansfield House, Longfield Estate, Bermondsey, are charged with conspiracy to commit violent disorder.
They were granted bail on the existing terms and when they reappear in February Swallow, Shane Flexon, Mark Irving and his brother Westley Irving, will all apply for the case against them to be dismissed.
