CRYSTAL PALACE mascot Kayla was punched in the face by a rival fan, a court has heard.
A Charlton Athletic fan has denied punching Kayla - a 25-year-old American bald eagle - when violence broke out between the two clubs in 2015.
Addicks fan Daniel Boylett, 36, of Eltham, south east London, has denied attempted criminal damage in the alleged attack.
Boylett appeared at Croydon Crown Court alongside Colin Kitto, 49, of Eltham, Andy McConville, 48, of Rochester, Kent, Billy Cowcher, 32, of Greenwich, south east London and Sam Donegan, 25, of Welling, south east London, who have been charged with the football violence.
Kayla's handler Chris Belsey was walking the bird of prey around the Selhurst Park pitch when a punch was thrown from the crowd, the jury heard.
Prosecutor Daniel Higgins said: "As he passed the stand he noticed three or four fans were shouting abuse and one of these three or four lent over the barrier and threw a punch directed at Kayla.
"Mr Belsey is unsure if the punch directed at the eagle had landed.
"He pulled Kayla away slightly to keep her from any further attack and then walked away."
Mr Higgins said Kayla "seemed unhurt" but added "due to her delicate bone structure if she had been hit with force, her bones could easily break".
He said there "is no dispute" Boylett threw the punch but questions may surround whether he intended worse to happen.
Boylett, Kitto and McConville each deny two counts of violent disorder.
Cowcher and Donegan each also deny a charge of violent disorder.
The derby game, which Charlton lost 4-1, had turned ugly before a ball had even been kicked.
Mr Higgins told the jury there "was disorder at the match before, during and after" the game.