Eagle-Punching Menace Arrested In London Suburb

The bald eagle is one of the most majestic creatures to grace our Earth, a beautiful bird that humankind has come to interpret as a symbol of freedom and defiance. According to Defenders Of Wildlife, there are some 70,000 bald eagles left in North America, which is the happy ending to a remarkable recovery story that saw them removed from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife in 2007.

But not everyone feels so strongly about this regal bird. An English man was arrested yesterday for attempting to punch Kayla, who is the mascot and talisman for Crystal Palace FC, at a September 23 game between Palace and Charlton Athletic. The Croydon Advertiser has the initial report, and these details:

The 34-year-old from Welling was arrested this morning (Friday) on suspicion of violent disorder and attempted criminal damage.

He remains in custody at a south London police station.

Earlier this week six people were arrested following raids across London and Kent as part of an investigation into violent disorder during and after the match.

Kayla has flown around Selhurst Park for palace since 2010. To the man who attempted to punch this beautiful bird I say: eat shit.

Photo via AP