No 'major disruption' at derby clash, say police

A derby match between Southampton and south coast rival Portsmouth passed without any major disruption thanks to planning and a large policing operation, said police.

The football teams met for their first league match in 13 years and there is a history of clashes between the two sets of supporters.

More than 30,000 fans turned out for the game at St Mary's Stadium, which ended in a goalless draw. Two arrests were made.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, which brought in extra officers and spent about £200,000 on policing the event, put a dispersal order in place, while a large convoy of buses carried about 2,500 Portsmouth fans to the city with a police escort.

Assistant Chief Constable Tony Rowlinson said: "I am pleased to say that the match today has passed without any major disruption and that is thanks to the hard work of all those involved in the planning for this game.

"I would like to thank both football clubs and their fans for supporting our policing operation, which was in place to help ensure the football was the focus of the day.

"I'm also incredibly proud of the professionalism and dedication my officers and staff have shown throughout this operation today, working hard to keep everyone safe."

A 34-year-old man, from Salisbury, was arrested on suspicion of throwing a missile and entering the playing area.

A 28-year-old man, from Portsmouth, was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation, following a report of a fan claiming to be a steward to get into the stadium.

Both men remain in custody.

The dispersal order was due to be in place from 07:00 to 19:00 BST, covering the city centre and parts of Woolston and Bitterne.

Dispersal orders give officers the power to order a person to leave an area and not to return within a specified time period.

"I wish it wasn't like this to be honest, I'd like to make my own way," one woman who came by bus told the BBC.

"But I think this is about right."

One supporter said the compulsory club-managed travel was a "little OTT because I think times have changed" while another called it "overkill".

A younger supporter added: "Not being allowed food and drink and getting here so early, I don't think that's necessary.

"But if they're trying to keep us safe they're doing what they can, they're doing what's best for us."

Ahead of the game, the club said it was aware the measures could be inconvenient for some supporters, adding that it was "designed to ensure the safety of everyone attending the game, so they have an enjoyable matchday experience".

Southampton's Saints Foundation and Portsmouth's Pompey in the Community ran joint workshops on anti-social behaviour in the lead up to the match.

Hampshire's police and crime commissioner Donna Jones said there was a "tremendous" policing plan in place, with work beginning on it when it was known both teams would be playing in the championship this season.

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