Senior political figures in Croydon are calling for Crystal Place to condemn a far-right political group which has established a branch associated with the club.

Three local MPs and the Council leader signed an open letter urging the club to take clear steps to distance itself from the Football Lads Alliance (DFLA), which they claim is attempting to 'promote their message of racism, Islamophobia, anti-immigrant sentiment and violence.'

Residents have reported sightings of DFLA stickers incorporating the club's crest in the Town Centre, Addiscombe and areas surrounding Selhurst Park.

Signatory Steve Reed, MP for Croydon North, said: “Crystal Palace have a proud tradition within our community and rightly pride themselves on their commitments to equality and diversity, seen fully within their diverse squad and within their diverse supporter base.

“It is therefore important that they continue this good work by standing up against those who wish to sow division and discord, sending a message to the DFLA that they are not welcome in our club, our town and in our borough.”

Founded in 2017 by John Meighan, the DFLA claims to be part of the 'anti-extremist movement.'

It has become associated with violence and the far-right, having given a platform to Tommy Robinson and Aline Morars of Generation Identity.

The letter, signed also by Sarah Jones MP and Chris Philp MP, continues to say "stickers might be seen by some to be of little consequence but, if ignored, they are an effective way of spreading the insidious message that the far-right use to sow division within our community."

Tony Newman, leader of Croydon Council, said: “Crystal Palace is a shining light within our community and is a club that puts Croydon firmly on the global map.

“The DFLA and their politics of hatred contradict everything Croydon and Crystal Palace are about.

"It is now crucial in these divisive times that the club takes a firm stand by saying no to the DFLA and leads the way in showing that Croydon is open”

The DFLA's claimed concern with extremism has been largely directed towards Islam, and the Premier League has previously warned clubs that "the group is using fans and stadiums to push an anti-Muslim agenda."

The letter says the club responded to one of its signatory MPs raising the issue by referring thme to "the good structures set in place...allowing supporters to reports abusive activities on match day in a confidential manner."

Last week East London political figures expressed similar concerns of DFLA's growing presence amongst West Ham supporters.

Vice-chair Karen Brady chose not to explicitly condemn the group on the basis that it would give them "oxygen and publicity."