On this day: Floodlight failure at Pompey

On January 12, 1974, floodlight failure haulted play at Fratton Park.
By The Newsroom
Published 12th Jan 2017, 12:24 GMT
Updated 12th Jan 2017, 12:27 GMT
Sartorial elegance came to Fratton Park on Saturday, January 12, 1974, when Mr. Roger Kirkpatrick of Leicester and his two linesmen Mr. J. A. Christopher and Mr. J. C. Roost donned warm clothing after the referee had stopped the game when the floodlights failedSartorial elegance came to Fratton Park on Saturday, January 12, 1974, when Mr. Roger Kirkpatrick of Leicester and his two linesmen Mr. J. A. Christopher and Mr. J. C. Roost donned warm clothing after the referee had stopped the game when the floodlights failed
Sartorial elegance came to Fratton Park on Saturday, January 12, 1974, when Mr. Roger Kirkpatrick of Leicester and his two linesmen Mr. J. A. Christopher and Mr. J. C. Roost donned warm clothing after the referee had stopped the game when the floodlights failed

Play was held up for 20 minutes during a goalless draw at home to Luton Town.

Due to a power crisis, the club had hired a generator but when it broke down midway through the second half the players were forced to leave the field.

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The match was only able to finish after Pompey chairman John Deacon gave the order to switch to the mains.

Although this was technically a breach of the emergency lighting regulations, Deacon emphasised that he ordered the ‘switch-over’ in the interests of safety.

Related topics:PompeyFratton ParkLuton Town