When the Portsmouth Santa inspired the Blues to victoryÂ
On December 22, 1984, Pompey were losing 1-0 in a second division top-of-the-table clash and seemed to be heading for defeat.
But a Father Christmas emerged from the stands and ran onto the field before swiftly being ejected from the ground.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThis unexpected interruption inspired the Blues to a stunning comeback, with Alan Biley scoring two headers '“ the second coming in added-time.
The mystery of the Pompey Santa remained for a while until The News uncovered his identity in 2013.
Geoffrey Peters was inspired to carry out his historic pitch invasion by a £10 wager from his brother, Douglas.
Speaking to The News five years ago, he said: '˜In hindsight I wish I'd been able to stay behind somehow.Â
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad'˜I would have been carried, not sent down that road by the police!Â
'˜Basically, it was a dare. I'd just turned 17 and bought my first Vespa from Rafferty Newmans in Southsea.
'˜My older brother Douglas had a Lambretta, so we dressed up and rode down to the football '“ it was one of my first visits to Fratton Park.Â
'˜Douglas dared me to run on the pitch for £10.Â
'˜If I'd thought about it sensibly, I'd never have done it!Â
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad'˜I think the players were pleased to see me because they all looked knackered. Everyone was blowing!Â
'˜But the referee stopped the game, giving me the freedom of the pitch.
'˜After I'd reached the centre circle I ran towards the Milton End and gave the Oxford fans some stick, which got a loud cheer.Â
'˜Then the whole of the North Stand started singing 'we've got a Santa on the pitch' which was incredible!Â
'˜I remember thinking 'what have I got myself into here?'Â
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad'˜A policeman then took me away to have a chat. It basically went along the lines of 'get out'. So we did.
'˜Me and Douglas jumped on our scooters and sped off.Â
'˜When we arrived, a bloke working at Rafferty Newmans had the game on the radio and was running around like a lunatic.Â
'˜We then realised we had won and started jumping up and down as well!Â
'It was unbelievable. But it's great that fans still talk about that game.Â
'˜I'm glad I was able to help just a little bit.'Â Â