Two Portsmouth football fans have been banned from matches for three years after posing as stewards to watch the south coast derby.
Kane Green, aged 29, from Magdalen Road, and 31-year-old Dale Green, from Devonshire Avenue, both entered St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton without tickets.
They pleaded guilty at Southampton Magistrates’ Court to fraud and entering the playing area.
Assistant Chief Constable Tony Rowlinson, Gold Commander for the policing operation around the game, said: “This was a ridiculous plot to try and see the game, despite knowing tickets were sold out and those without tickets would not be getting in.
“They clearly came with the intention to get into the stadium illegally, bringing high-vis vests with ‘steward’ on the back, with one even carrying a radio and earpiece.
“However, what they didn’t bank on was the professionalism and vigilance of the club’s security team and our officers, who quickly spotted they weren’t wearing any accreditation and worked together to eject them.
“Their actions have seen them face very serious consequences in court today and for two people who were so desperate to see this one game, they will now not be able to go to any for three years.
“I would like to thank the stewards who spotted something was wrong and took immediate action, as well as our officers who swiftly intervened and helped ensure they had their day in court.
“I hope this reassures the real football fans that we work closely with football clubs and will take action against those who threaten to disrupt games.”
The pair were ordered to pay fines totalling almost £700 each and received a three-year football banning order.
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