Four arrested as police prevent serious disorder following Southampton and Portsmouth derby

Four people were arrested during a major policing operation surrounding the South Coast derby between Southampton and Portsmouth, as officers prevented rival supporters from clashing following the match.

Hampshire Police said almost 30,000 supporters attended the highly anticipated fixture at St Mary’s Stadium on Sunday, 11 October, with the vast majority able to enjoy the game safely.

However, disorder threatened to break out after the final whistle when a number of supporters from both clubs pulled down fencing in Melbourne Street and Marine Parade in an apparent attempt to reach rival fans.

Police officers and club stewards intervened, preventing the groups from coming together and escorting supporters away from the area.

One police officer suffered a minor injury during the incident and received treatment.

The disruption also delayed coaches carrying Portsmouth supporters away from the stadium, allowing those caught up in the incidents to board safely.

Officers also managed areas where some Southampton supporters had gathered outside pubs along the route being used by the visiting fans' coaches.

Police confirmed that no serious injuries were reported and the coaches were able to leave the city safely.

Hampshire Police confirmed that four people were arrested during the operation.

A 20-year-old man from Southampton and an 18-year-old man from Ringwood were arrested on suspicion of possessing a flare.

Before the match, officers patrolling Hoglands Park stopped a 50-year-old man from Southampton, who was not attending the fixture, after suspecting he was carrying stolen soft drinks.

During a search, officers discovered a knuckle duster. The man was arrested on suspicion of shoplifting and possessing an offensive weapon in public.

Following the match, a 38-year-old man from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of obstructing the highway as coaches carrying Portsmouth supporters left the city.

Police have not announced any charges in connection with the arrests.

An investigation is now underway into the incidents involving rival supporters.

Investigators will examine available evidence, including CCTV, police body-worn camera recordings, footage collected by evidence-gathering teams and drone recordings, to identify those involved.

Assistant Chief Constable Simon Dodds, who was Gold Commander for the policing operation, praised the response of officers, staff and club stewards.

He said: “It has been another really successful policing operation, where we have seen almost 30,000 fans get to and from the game safely.

“Sadly, there were a minority of fans who tried to find an opportunity to cause disruption, but our teams on the ground, supported by club stewards, were able to act decisively and take control of the situation.

“Unfortunately, the actions of that small number of fans did cause a delay to the away coaches leaving the ground, but I’m pleased that no one was seriously injured and the coaches left the city safely.

“I would like to thank the professionalism of our officers and staff who worked alongside both clubs to make sure this was another safe game for all.”

Hampshire Police said the swift intervention of officers and club stewards had prevented serious disorder, ensuring that the overwhelming majority of supporters were able to attend and leave the fixture safely.

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