Hammam: Cardiff supremo (KerRobertson/Allsport)

Neil MacNamara, 37, was seen walking around the pitch with Cardiff City owner Hammam after Sunday's FA Cup victory over Leeds. It is thought MacNamara is known to the National Criminal Intelligence Service's unit, which deals with hooliganism.

But Hammam said he had known about MacNamara's conviction for months. Hammam said: 'Mac is like a poacher turned gamekeeper - he knows how to handle certain situations.

'He knows what is going on in a fan's mind. He knows how to keep them quiet. Usually poachers can make the best gamekeepers. I have no worries about Mac.'

The FA and FA of Wales launched an investigation on Monday into the violence that marred Cardiff's 2-1 win over the Premiership leaders. Riot police were drafted in when Cardiff fans surged onto the pitch at the end.

Leeds players had been struck by objects thrown from the stands and referee Andy D'Urso required treatment after he was hit on the head by a coin thrown by a fan.

Police arrested and charged four people for public disorder offences. They are due to appear before Cardiff Magistrates on January 17.

Hammam said he was determined to stamp out hooliganism at his club and has arranged a meeting with supporters to talk about how to tackle the problem.

The Lebanese businessman said: 'I am meeting a group of supporters to discuss the situation and put things on the right track.'

Meanwhile, Hammam is set to be ordered to stop walking round pitches during the club's matches.

Hammam was accused of inciting trouble during Cardiff's 2-1 FA Cup third-round victory over Leeds at Ninian Park on Sunday when he walked behind the Premiership team's goal.

The former Wimbledon owner has already said he will stop the practice but soccer chiefs are expected to make it clear to him that he is not allowed near the field of play and must stay in the directors' box.

Today the Football Association of Wales secretary general David Collins and his disciplinary boss Paul Evans met English FA officials at London's Soho Square to discuss events at Ninian Park.