Karl Robinson looks ahead to what is set to be an emotional evening in SE7

George Jones reports

Karl Robinson has looked ahead to what is set to be an emotional evening at The Valley on Tuesday, when Charlton take on MK Dons (7.45pm).

The club will pay tribute to PC Keith Palmer, who lost his life as a result of the terror incidents in Westminster, prior to kick-off.

PC Palmer’s brother will lead the two teams out of the tunnel and a period of silence, featuring both sides and 22 of his former colleagues, will then be observed.

The Charlton players will also wear a special shirt that has PC Palmer’s warrant number, P204752, emblazoned upon the sleeve and the Addicks coaching staff will don specially-made armbands.  

And Robinson - who will be attending PC Palmer’s funeral on Monday with Club Captain Johnnie Jackson - hopes that the night will bring some comfort to the family of the long-standing East Stand season-ticket holder.

“It’s an evening that, for the right reasons, we all wish wasn’t having to take place,” he said.

“I can’t say anything that will make things right and there is no way that we can make this better but now it is about PC Palmer’s family. It’s about supporting them, being there for them and doing what they need us to do.

“Whatever I can do as the manager of this club, I will do. Whatever it takes. I know our fans will be there for them too.

“My thoughts, wishes and prayers are with them and I know the game and the surrounding aspects of it will go impeccably well.”

Robinson added: “As fathers, when we leave our homes every day, your kids and family expect you to come home from work. For PC Palmer’s family, that didn’t happen and what was a normal day turned into the worst day imaginable.

“We all love our families and we say ‘have a good day, be good at school, I’ll see you after school’ and Keith never got to see them again. I can’t comprehend that and I don’t know how his family must feel.”

Robinson’s pre-match interview is available to watch on our YouTube channel or by clicking below