Pompey fan goes on trial accused of violent disorder outside Fratton ParkÂ

A POMPEY fan who admitted launching missiles at rival supporters while part of a baying mob of fans has gone on trial.
Fratton Park Picture: www.shaunroster.comFratton Park Picture: www.shaunroster.com
Fratton Park Picture: www.shaunroster.com

Menacing scenes erupted at the Portsmouth versus Oldham league match in September last year resulting in about 20 fans storming the pitch in an attempt to confront their rivals after Oldham went 2-0 up.

Police and stewards sought to restore order as Pompey lost the game. But ugly scenes persisted following the final whistle as home fans laid in wait for their Oldham counterparts.

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Pompey fan Peter Hawkins, 48, was among those outside the ground loitering where the away fans were due to exit, Portsmouth Crown Court heard.

The defendant was also part of a gang seen on CCTV rushing towards the Frogmore Road end when word got out that Oldham fans were being ushered to a different exit, said the prosecutor.

'˜Peter Hawkins saw what happened at the end of the game (the pitch invasion) and takes his place within the group,' prosecutor Simon Jones said.

'˜He's waiting with the group and makes gestures to Oldham fans - there is no dispute of this.

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'˜Oldham fans are kept back for their own safety and there are innocent bystanders having to walk through this.

'˜The defendant throws two missiles toward the away fans. This clearly amounts to unlawful violence or threatening unlawful violence.'

After being arrested Hawkins admitted throwing tin foil at away fans having drunk three pints of lager.

He also conceded being part of the group that was chanting '˜let them out' at the away fans but only joined the pack out of '˜curiosity'.

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Describing the scenes on the day, Mr Jones said: '˜Aggression and hostility were building towards the away fans. Chants of 'you dirty northern ******' and 'you poor little scummers hit with a brick' were heard.

'˜Portsmouth fans waited outside where the Oldham fans were expected to come out and meet them.'

Hawkins, of Lidsey Road, Chichester, denies violent disorder.

(Proceeding)