Police pledge to “stop those intent on causing disruption” at Fratton Park derby
Police have pledged to “stop those intent on causing disruption” as the countdown continues to this weekend’s derby at Fratton Park.
Hampshire Police has said its officers are match-ready ahead of the Portsmouth v Southampton game on Sunday (January 25), which they hope will echo the successful policing operation when Pompey travelled to Southampton last September.
It warned that fans may see different styles of policing compared to what they might normally see at a football match, with specially trained officers around the ground wearing protective equipment to help keep everyone safe.
Officers will also deploy other tactics that will not be visible to the public, but all of which are designed to keep people safe.
And as with the first game, the police will also be supporting the away fan coaches travelling to and from the ground, working with both clubs to co-ordinate the safe arrival and departure of all fans following their decision to operate coach-managed travel for both fixtures.
Chief Superintendent Simon Dodds, Gold Commander for the policing operation, said working closely with both clubs, the fans and the local community, the priority remains keeping everyone safe so that the football continues to be the focus for the fans.
He added: “We have a vast amount of experience policing these sorts of games and with every game our knowledge grows, so we adapt our plans to ensure we have the right tactics, best technology and specialist teams in place to keep people safe.
“Where we did have to take action in September, this was swift and effective, with those who thought the rules didn’t apply to them finding themselves in court, facing the consequences.
“I hope this action reassures fans and reinforces that these are not just words; when we say we will stop those intent on causing disruption, we mean it.
“From our Dedicated Football Officers, to our Roads Policing Unit and Public Order and Neighbourhood teams, they are all ready to respond where required to ensure any threat of disruption is minimised, both for those attending the game and for those living and working within the local community.
“Public safety remains our priority, so my advice is, don’t let your club or yourself down because if you end up with a conviction and a Football Banning Order, like those did last year, this could have serious implications on your life that go far beyond a game of football.
“Be passionate, do your club proud and make sure that whatever the score on the day, it isn’t you left facing a bad result in court.
“We’re looking forward to helping to make this an enjoyable day for all and if any fans have any concerns on Sunday, please go and speak to one of our officers, who are there for your safety.”
He added that he was “incredibly proud” of officers and staff who played their part in helping to keep everyone safe during the match at St Mary’s Stadium and anticipated a repeat of that success.
He said: “It may not have been quite the game the fans were hoping for but from our perspective, it was a hugely successful policing operation, which passed without any major disorder and only a handful of arrests were necessary.
“It was great to see overwhelming support from the fans and the local community during and after the game and I am confident we can do the same again.
“We really appreciated that positive feedback from those fans who went to the game, who told us how impressed they were with how smoothly it all went, as well as those within the city who felt reassured by our presence.
“Our dedicated and professional teams have continued to work hard in preparation for this second game, working closely with both clubs to ensure we can replicate that success.
“Our approach continues to mirror that taken by the clubs, to help make fans feel safe and keep the football as the focus of the day.”
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Portsmouth Football Club has shared advice for fans ahead of the game, including information about road closures with Rodney Road and some of the surrounding area closed on Sunday.
Those travelling into the city on the day are also being reminded by Portsmouth City Council to plan journeys in advance and allow extra time, especially with the continued closure on Eastern Road due to ongoing repair works by Southern Water.