THE matchday mentality of football violence must stop being passed down through generations, the borough's top sporting cop stressed this week.

Hammersmith and Fulham is home to three top flight teams, Chelsea, Fulham and Queens Park Rangers - a feat not replicated anywhere else in the country.

As around 80 home games take place each season, the clubs work very closely with the council and the police to ensure everything goes smoothly on matchdays in terms of safety, road closures and rubbish collection.

Speaking at a council select committee on Monday, Chief Inspector Rod Charles - who has been policing matches for more than 20 years - praised the partnership for ensuring the safety of fans and residents but noted that while the vast majority attend the games for enjoyment, there is a small minority who look for trouble.

Mr Charles said: "I've been policing all the clubs since the 1980s and there has been a significant enhancement in terms of running the venues.

"The personnel and CCTV is all excellent which proves that the partnership is working very well, but what hasn't changed is the hardcore anti-social element that has carried across the generations.

"The hardcore element that was there in the 80s remains. It's not linked to just the 18 and 19-year-olds, but people in their 30s.

"We might not eradicate it but we must prevent it. We have to follow up investigations to ensure arrests are made later down the line and charges are brought as this sends a strong message."

Mr Charles stressed that it is a 'small number that can detract from a good event' enjoyed peacefully by the vast majority.

He spoke to the committee about Operation Ternhill, which was launched in February 2010 after violence erupted on the streets of Fulham between Chelsea and Cardiff City supporters.

The widespread investigation ended in December with 93 people convicted and sentenced to a total of 75 years in prison, with 460 years of combined football banning orders handed down.

Another issue highlighted at the meeting was the number of ticket touts operating in the borough on matchdays.

Mr Charles revealed that an operation is underway to clamp down on illegal ticket sales.

He added: "We have to balance our resources, I have to prioritise the safety and disorder elements. Some touts are becoming more bold but as we speak - there is a operation in place with a specific focus on touting.

"It's a key part of my overall plan as they'll continue to break the law in order to line their pockets."