Portsmouth appeal to Fratton faithful ahead of Sheffield United visit following Southampton and West Brom incidents
Pompey make appeal to fans ahead of Fratton Park fixture against Sheffield United
Pompey have issued an appeal to fans ahead of their Championship fixture against Sheffield United at Fratton Park today.
The Blues, with the help of club captain Marlon Pack, have asked members of the Fratton faithful to use their support in a positive way during their head-to-head with the Blades.
The plea comes after recent games against Southampton and West Brom were marred by objects being thrown onto the pitch.
During the south-coast derby draw against Saints on January 25, a number of ‘criminal offences’ inside the ground were committed.
A statement released on the club’s website 24 hours later, revealed a ball boy needed medical attention, while a member of staff suffered burns, after a pyrotechnic device was thrown from the stands in the second half.
In another second-half incident, a supporter was arrested after running onto the pitch after Southampton took the lead in the 57th minute.
Against West Brom on Jan 31, the game had to be temporarily stopped by match referee Matt Donohue after fourth official Alex Chilowicz appeared to be struck by an object thrown from the South Stand. An item was collected and handed to a member of staff at PO4 before play resumed.
Immediately after that incident, a message was delivered to fans via the Fratton Park PA system warning supporters of the consequences of such actions. It also urged fans close to the incident to report what they might have witnessed.
Meanwhile, it later emerged that a 10-year-old WBA supporter, who is the grandson of former Baggies legend Jeff Astle, was struck by a coin thrown into the away end.
Series risk of punishment heading Pompey’s way
There remains a serious risk of some form of punishment heading Pompey’s way due to these unsavoury events, including the possibility of a fine or points deduction.
So ahead of the Blues’ latest home game against Sheffield United, the club have taken to social media to appeal to supporters to behave accordingly when they step into Fratton Park.
A 34-second video clip appeared on X on Friday in the build-up to the match. In it skipper Pack asked fans to keep PO4 a safe environment for all who atttend.
He said: ‘Hello everyone. Firstly, I'd like to start by saying thank you for your passion, your commitment and your support in 2026.
‘Unfortunately, we've had a few issues of late at Fratton Park where some objects have been thrown on the pitch, in particular the issue with the ball retrievers.
‘We met them recently at Fratton Park and they’re desperate to return back to action, so let's make sure that we keep Fratton Park a safe environment and let's use your support in a positive way to help us win games of football for the rest of the season. ‘
Following the incident against Southampton, Richard Conaghan, 34, of Courtmount Grove, Portsmouth, has been charged with entering the playing area at a football match. He has been bailed to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court on March 16.
For your next Pompey read: Portsmouth v Sheffield United: Early team and injury news as 14 out and 2 doubts for Fratton Park contest