Portsmouth FC fan who ran onto the pitch in Southampton derby is banned from attending football matches
A man who invaded the pitch at Fratton Park during Portsmouth’s derby against Southampton has been banned from going to football matches.
During the celebrations for the first goal of the derby match at Fratton Park on January 25, Richard Conaghan ran onto the pitch and had to be escorted off the pitch by stewards.
At Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court today (Monday, March 16), Conaghan, 34, of Courtmount Grove, Portsmouth, was sentenced after pleading guilty to going onto the playing area at a designated football match.
The court heard how Conaghan climbed over the advertising board and went over towards the Milton End, gesticulating to the away fans.
Chief Superintendent Simon Dodds, gold commander for the match, said: “I want to first thank the staff at Fratton Park and our officers who acted quickly to detain and eject this man from the stadium. As a result of his actions the male missed the rest of the game and ultimately now won’t be able to attend future games for the next three seasons.
“People may say that this was just someone having a bit of fun, but the stewards and police rightfully have a duty to make sure that the players, match officials and other fans are not put at risk.
“That is why we work with the club to act on the day, and will pursue these cases through the courts to ensure a clear message is sent that such behaviour is not acceptable.”
Conaghan received a football banning order, which prevents him from going to football matches in-person in the UK for three years.