'Absolute king’: Portsmouth’s Fratton bearpit lauded overseas with Southampton panned
Another accolade for Pompey an Fratton Park - as recognition arrives from Portugal.
We all know what a weapon Fortress Fratton is in Pompey’s arsenal.
And now the Blues’ indomitable support has received some unlikely overseas recognition, as it’s lauded as ‘absolute king’ of Championship atmospheres.
Fratton verdict: ‘Extremely vocal, full of tempo and electric energy’
PO4 is the place to be in the second tier when it comes to fervent following, according to Portuguese outlet @FootballOn.
They have ranked the division’s best stadium for bringing the noise in the 2025-26 season, with criteria purely based on ‘vibe, noise, chants, intimidation and passion’.
And when judging on that basis it was Fratton Park which game out on top.
Pompey’s home topped the list ranked as the 'king of atmospheres' with @FootballOn adding: ‘A compact stadium old (Archibald Leitch style), extremely vocal, chants, full of tempo and the same electric energy.’
Fratton Park edged out The Den for top spot, with Ipswich Town’s Portman Road third in front of Sheffield United’s Portman Road.
Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground completed the top five with West Brom/The Hawthorns sixth, Derby County/Pride Park seventh, Norwich City/Carrow Road eighth, Bristol City/Ashton Gate ninth and Preston North End/Deepdale 10th.
As well as focussing on the best atmosphere, FootballOn have also highlighted those who serve up ‘flat’ conditions for Championship football.
And that will likely be a source of mirth to Pompey fans, with Southampton and St Mary’s Stadium one of those flagged up.
There’s a clear pattern of relatively modern stadia falling into that category, with the Blues’ rivals from along the M27 bandied in with Cardiff City, Coventry City, Leicester City and Hull City in having homes which fail to deliver.
Fratton Park and Pompey’s backing, of course, has collected plenty of accolades over the years from players, fans and media outlets alike.
Jose Mourinho is an unabashed fan of the Blues’ home, lauding it’s as ‘absolutely incredible’ when criticising Old Trafford when Manchester boss in 2018.
When speaking about his side’s home back then, Mourinho said: 'It's not Portsmouth.
'I remember Portsmouth, such a small stadium, the atmosphere was absolutely incredible. In here, the atmosphere is a bit quiet and there is not very much enthusiasm.’
Thierry Henry made his feelings about Pompey fans known when donning their team’s shirt in 2004.
He said: I wore the Portsmouth shirt for those special fans. They were singing my name, asking me to give them a wave and all that. I’ve never experienced that in my life. This was an away game and I was from the other team. They really are tremendous.’
Henry later added: ‘Portsmouth is a remarkable place. I know of no other club where, despite 5-1 down in our FA Cup sixth round match, the home fans would have been supporting their team by being so vocal.’
And of course Brazilian legend Ronaldinho is credited with saying Fratton Park had ‘one of the best atmospheres in the world, after he sampled what Pompey’s home has to offer when AC Milan came to town in 2008.