Angry scenes break out after Pompey match

ROWDY scenes erupted among fans before and after yesterday's Pompey match.
Fratton ParkFratton Park
Fratton Park

Police were called to deal with a number of incidents in Fratton involving Pompey and Oxford supporters.

At around 1.45pm, officers attended the Red, White and Blue pub, on Fawcett Road, following a report of a public order incident. A number of officers and police horses remained at the venue to maintain the peace.

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The group involved in this incident were escorted along Fawcett Road and Goldsmith Avenue. During this time, tensions began to run high and police dog units were deployed. A group of fans were contained in the Lidl’s carpark while order was restored.

For a short time immediately after the match, officers had to separate opposing fans along Goldsmith Avenue causing traffic congestion.

A man was arrested and charged in relation to damage to a seat within Fratton Park.

Connor Wakefield, 20, of Kings Close, Thame, Oxfordshire has been charged with criminal damage to property and will appear at Portsmouth Magistrates Court on February 23.

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In a separate incident to Saturday’s events, police arrested a 29-year-old man from Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Saturday in connection with racist chanting at the Portsmouth vs Luton game on December 28, 2015. He received a formal caution.

Police in Goldsmith AvenuePolice in Goldsmith Avenue
Police in Goldsmith Avenue

Match commander, Superintendent Kelly Whiting, said: ‘We work hard with Portsmouth Football Club to take all necessary steps to prevent crime and disorder in relation to football matches.

‘We adopt a firm, proportionate but robust policing approach to address anyone intent on disorder, to ensure the safety of the public is maintained.’