 The derby game will be attended by over 32,000 fans |
Violence after the last Southampton vs Portsmouth football game has led police to increase the number of officers at Sunday's premier league clash. Hampshire police say more than 300 officers will be deployed to oversee the expected 32,000 fans at Southampton's St Mary's Stadium.
In addition, many pubs in Southampton city centre will not open before the match kicks off at 1230 GMT.
Sixteen fans were arrested after the Carling Cup game between the teams on 2 December amid violent scenes outside a number of city centre pubs.
Chief Superintendent Paul Stickler said: "It is an unfortunate fact, apparent from the last match, that a very small minority attend the game with the intention of causing trouble for others.
"The game itself will be attended by more than 32,000 fans young and old, including many families with children.
"We will have more than 300 officers on duty who will police the match fairly and robustly to ensure the day is not spoiled for anyone."
There will be fewer away fans at the game, as less tickets are available to travelling supporters than for the Carling Cup fixture.
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