Nine football fans were arrested this morning following racist chants on a train between Putney and Waterloo.

Police were called on January 7 after passengers reported a group of men being rowdy and intimidating, as well as chanting racist songs.

It is believed the men were Charlton Athletic supporters, returning from their FA Cup fixture at Fulham.

Officers from the British Transport Police launched an investigation known as Operation Midas and worked with Charlton Athletic to identify a number of people in connection with the incident.

Four men from Abbey Wood, a 30-year-old man from Kidbrooke and a 21-year-old man from Woolwich were arrested as well as men from Lee, Orpington and Deptford.

They were taken into custody in north London for questioning.

Detective Inspector Ashley Cooper said: "We launched Operation Midas after a group of men, who we believe to be Charlton Athletic supporters, boarded a train at Putney and were heard chanting racist songs - something which was both offensive and extremely intimidating for other passengers on board.

“This minority blight the rail journeys of many ordinary passengers and stain the reputation of the game and the country.

"They also continue to cause us problems that require significant resources to contain."

Stephen Kavanagh, Charlton chief executive, said: “This kind of abhorrent behaviour is totally condemned by our club, and in addition to assisting the police, for our own part we will be seeking to ban for life anyone who is found guilty of racially offensive chanting.

“We have been a pioneer of anti-racism and anti-discrimination initiatives in football, so although these are isolated incidents and in no way reflect the overwhelming majority of Charlton supporters, these recent arrests are saddening to all those who have worked so hard over many decades."

If you have information about this incident contact BTP on 0800 40 50 40.

Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.