Fratton Park violence leads to 39 years of banning orders for a dozen derby‑day offenders

A dozen football fans have been handed fines and football banning orders totalling 39 years following violent disorder at the south coast derby between Portsmouth and Southampton.

The incident took place after the two sides drew 1-1 at Fratton Park on January 25, with supporters throwing bottles and chairs, ripping out seats and using broken debris as missiles.

Fans banned after Fratton Park disorder

The disorder took place after the final whistle, with Hampshire Constabulary launching an investigation to identify those responsible.

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Simon Dodds said: “These 12 supporters made a conscious decision to hang around after the game and get involved in violent disorder.

“While most fans left the ground without any trouble, this group started to rip up seats and throw whatever they could at opposing fans.

“This was totally unnecessary and incredibly dangerous.

“It was pure luck that nobody was seriously injured.”

Portsmouth Magistrates' Court heard that criminal damage was caused to the stadium, with seats torn out and used as weapons.

Hampshire Constabulary's post-match investigation team reviewed hours of CCTV and body-worn footage to identify those responsible.

Three men pleaded guilty to throwing a missile and causing criminal damage, receiving five-year football banning orders alongside fines.

Two others pleaded guilty to criminal damage and were handed three-year football banning orders and fines.

Seven further supporters pleaded guilty to throwing a missile, with six receiving three-year football banning orders alongside fines, while one was fined but did not receive a banning order.

A 17-year-old was given a Conditional Discharge for six months and a three-year football banning order.

The sentences have resulted in a combined 39 years of football banning orders, with the court also issuing fines to those convicted.

FGG Says: Derby-day passion cannot excuse violence

There is always likely to be plenty of passion when Portsmouth and Southampton meet, but there is a clear line between supporting your club and putting other people at risk.

Ripping seats from a stadium and throwing debris at opposing supporters is too far, and the banning orders should serve as a reminder that those responsible can face serious consequences for their actions.

The vast majority of supporters attended the derby without causing trouble, and that should remain the focus for future meetings between these two clubs.