Man named and charged for going onto Portsmouth FC pitch as police probe 'handful of incidents'
A man has been named and charged for going onto the pitch at Fratton Park during Pompey’s 1-1 draw with Saints on Sunday as police reveal they are investigating a “handful of incidents”.
As reported, two ballboys were hurt during the match - with one boy suffering “temporary hearing loss” in one ear after a flashbang detonated near him at the Milton End. It left him “shaken up” with a “nasty headache” and needing medical attention.
It was also reported that a 15-year-old boy was injured when a crutch was thrown, allegedly by away supporters.
A fan also ran onto the pitch during the game before he was arrested - with police having now charged a man. Richard Conaghan, 34, of Courtmount Grove, Portsmouth, has been charged with going onto the playing area at a football match. He has been bailed to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court on March 16.
A police spokesperson told The News: “We are working with Portsmouth Football Club regarding a handful of other incidents that happened within the stadium, during the game and immediately afterwards.
“This includes an incident involving one of the ballboys, which left him with a cut to his lip. Our teams continue to review CCTV and body-worn video evidence from the ground and will progress with our investigations.”
Referring to the flashbang incident, police said a 19-year-old arrested for throwing an object has been released with no further action to be taken.
Pompey has been approached for comment.