On Saturday, a supposed LGBT football group Charlton Rainbows claimed to be targeted by homophobes who arranged a meeting with the group and, once there, attacked the athletes.

The apparent Charlton Athletic supporters group had arranged to meet a group of like-minded individuals before the Championship clash between Charlton Athletic and Brighton Football Club on Saturday afternoon. Instead, they said they were met by a group of people – who were ‘caught’ on CCTV – and were attacked.

“An investigation’s ongoing with CCTV and statements being taken. We would like to say that the fans involved were neither #bhafc or #CAFC.”

The meeting was supposedly arranged between Charlton Rainbows, @ProudCAFC, and an unnamed group before the match. The Twitter handle @ProudCAFC has since been deleted.

It tweeted yesterday: “Before yesterday’s match, we were told to meet a group equivalent to ours. Unfortunately, this was a hoax and some members were attacked.” The group claimed they were unable to go into any more detail as it was an ongoing investigation.

“Our members shaken, but OK. We can’t give more info as this is a criminal matter, but the thugs will be caught.”

The account claimed that the incident was reported to police, however a Met spokesman told London24 they were not aware of the assault.

“We would also like to thank the public who helped and the emergency services for their quick response and actions #LookAtThePositives.”

It has now been claimed that the account was set up by Twitter trolls. @GayGooners, a supporters’ club for LGBT Arsenal football fans, tweeted last night: “Seems the @proudcafc account was a troll. Homophobia takes form in many ways.”

No one has claimed the account and no one seems to know just why they felt the need amuse themselves in this way.

The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that they are aware of the incident.