Ball boy hurt by 'exploding device' in south coast derby

A ball boy and a worker were injured when a pyrotechnic device exploded after it was thrown towards the pitch during Sunday's south coast derby between Portsmouth and Southampton.

Several missiles and other items were also hurled towards the Fratton Park playing surface, Portsmouth FC added.

"One of these devices loudly exploded, leaving one of our young ball retrievers requiring medical treatment, as well as a member of staff suffering from burns," the club said in a statement.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said it was investigating several incidents, including one which left a ball boy with a cut lip. Three people were arrested and one man charged over incidents during the match.

During the game, assistant referee Alex James was pictured handing a tubular object to referee Lewis Smith after it was thrown from the stands.

The club said it had previously been warned by the FA over supporters' behaviour and could face further fines or non-financial penalties.

It added: "We will not tolerate any future such behaviour and any spectator(s) identified as having encroached onto the pitch or having thrown missiles, either on Sunday or at any future match, will be subject to a significant club sanction, as well as a potential criminal investigation and a football banning order."

The club and police said they were reviewing CCTV footage to identify those responsible.

A 36-year-old man, from Southampton, was arrested on suspicion of common assault. He has been bailed while inquiries continue.

Two other men, aged 28 and 32 and from Portsmouth were arrested on suspicion of going on to the playing area. They were both bailed while inquiries continue.

Richard Conaghan, 34, of Courtmount Grove, Portsmouth, has been charged with going on to the playing area at a football match.

He has been bailed to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court on 16 March.

A so-called "bubble" system in place for the derby meant rival fans had no contact with each other before and after the match as Southampton supporters were limited to using official transport organised by the club.

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