Pompey v Southampton: Fans in high spirits after South Coast derby amid heavy police presence
Fans have been in high spirits for today’s (Sunday, January 25) South Coast derby amid a heavy police presence as Portsmouth drew against Southampton at Fratton Park.
This morning, excited fans were flocking to the ground and sharing their score predictions - with lots of positivity on show - with Pompey eventually coming from a goal behind to secure a 1-1 draw.
Police had pledged to “stop those intent on causing disruption”, with fans being warned they 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.
A dispersal order has been put in place in and around the ground until 7pm giving police the powers to move people away from the area, as well as powers to remove face coverings to ensure that members of the public can be fully identified.
Officers also deployed other tactics not be visible to the public, designed to keep people safe in a bid to avoid a repeat of the trouble in 2019 when violent clashes broke out after the two teams met in Portsmouth.
Hampshire Police said its policing operation was a success, with only five people arrested. (See the full statement in the blog below)
Chief Superintendent Simon Dodds, Gold Commander for the policing operation, said: “From our policing perspective this has been another successful operation with the match passing without any major disruption. I’m also glad the fans got some goals to celebrate this time around.
“My thanks go to both football clubs and their fans, for once again supporting our operation and helping to ensure the safety of all those involved.
“I’m also incredibly proud of my officers and staff. They showed real professionalism and dedication throughout the day and their efforts played a key part in keeping people safe.”
For the latest on the build up to the match see our live blog below