Police prepare for Southampton v Portsmouth FA Cup tie

Five people were arrested at the 2006 derby at Fratton Park

Police have started preparations ahead of the FA Cup clash between bitter rivals Portsmouth and Southampton.

The teams will meet at Saints' St Mary's stadium in the fifth round over the weekend of 13/14 February.

Games between the two have been marred by violence, with 93 people arrested at Fratton Park in 2004 and five held at the pair's last meeting in 2005.

Hampshire police said they had already started preparations to ensure a "safe and professional" event for supporters.

Ch Supt Matthew Greening, Southampton police commander, said: "I look forward to this match being hosted at St Mary's.

"This is the sort of fixture that these clubs and their fans look forward to.

"We will be delivering a top class police operation to help both clubs and both cities provide a safe and professional event in Southampton that everyone can be proud of and enjoy."

Operational details about policing the game will be released closer to the match, a spokeswoman added.

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