Officer injured as football fans pull down barriers

A police officer suffered a minor injury during an outbreak of disorder after the south coast derby between Southampton and Portsmouth.

Fans from both sides pulled down fencing in Southampton streets to try to reach each other after the game, Hampshire Police said.

However, officers and stewards managed to prevent any breach of the barriers, the force added.

It said officers would analyse CCTV and drone footage to identify those responsible.

Assistant Chief Constable Simon Dodds 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."

Police said fencing was pulled down in Melbourne Street and Marine Parade, but fans were prevented from coming together.

As usual for the game, rival football fans were separated by the police "bubble" system.

It required Portsmouth supporters to board coaches at Fratton Park in order to access St Mary's Stadium.

Speaking before the match, Portsmouth fan Luke Allaway said he thought the bubble was a bit "over the top", citing a "history of violence" at other fixtures like Millwall games and "northern derbies".

He said he had to "pay about £20 extra" to travel to the game and had to get up early.

Sonny Gillman said it was the second time he had experienced the bubble and he thought it was "overbearing" and "too much money spent".

His friend Lenny Way, who travelled to the match with him, said he thought the one positive thing about it was that it helped disabled fans to get to the ground safely.

Speaking from outside his side's home ground ahead of the tie, Southampton fan Luke Smith, said he thought the bubble was a good idea and he felt "safe" going to the match.

Previous south coast derbies have been marred by violence, such as the 2019 fixture at Fratton Park.

Police said 21 people appeared in court over offences at last season's matches, including throwing missiles, pitch invasions and criminal damage.

The resulting convictions led to more than £10,000 in fines and Football Banning Orders totalling 61 years.

One supporter received a three-year ban and a fine after a crutch was thrown and struck a ball boy at Fratton Park.

On Sunday, four people were arrested, police said.

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

A 38-year-old man from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of obstructing the highway as Portsmouth supporter coaches left the city.

A 50-year-old man from Southampton, who was not attending the game, was arrested on suspicion of shoplifting and possessing a knuckle-duster.