Hampshire Constabulary issue statement on increased police presence during Pompey's 2-1 win over Millwall

Police made no arrests during Pompey’s Championship clash against Millwall.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary raised its presence for Saturday’s 2-1 home win at Fratton Park compared to previous fixtures at the stadium. The fixture has been deemed as high risk in the past due to previous crimes and incidents.

Police confirmed to The News that no one was detained at this weekend’s fixture. A spokesperson said: “Planning for large events such as our football fixtures involves a thorough assessment of any potential threat, harm and risk based on our intelligence picture.

“Police resources were deployed on the day to ensure the safety of all in attendance at Fratton Park this weekend, and we are pleased that the event passed safely without issue. No arrests were made in connection with the football event.”

The force previously had to close certain streets around the stadium to help police fixtures. A Carabao Cup fixture in August 2024 saw vans blocking Goldsmith Avenue to allow Millwall fans to head to the railway station without clashes with home supporters.

George Shipp, 26, of Eastfield Road in Southsea, was arrested at the fixture and admitted to using threatening words/behaviour with intent to cause fear or provoke unlawful violence. He was handed a five-year banning order while being given a 12-month community order with 100 hours of unpaid work.

Blustery conditions and heavy rain showers from Storm Austen didn’t stop Pompey getting all three points. Aussie striker Thomas Waddingham returned from two-and-a-half months out after ankle surgery to grab an 82nd-minute winner, closing down a Lions defender and diverting an attempted clearance into the bottom corner.

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Manager John Mousinho said the Blues rode their luck but was pleased with 10 points from the last four matches. “I’m delighted with the three points, but my overriding feeling is this is the first time this season we’ve got away with one,” he added.

“I don’t think we deserved it on the balance of play, but on the effort and work-rate of the lads to go again, again and again through a difficult schedule we did. We were lucky to nick the win off a poor start to the second half and the defending in the first half.

“I felt it was inevitable that in one of these games across this run we wouldn’t be at our fluid best, but we stuck in it and did everything else really well. On the level of performance and some of the chances we didn’t deserve to win the game, but in terms of having that bit of luck, the work-rate and ability to stick in games I felt we deserved one of those to go our way.”