'Want to stick up for your mates' - team spirit saluted by Portsmouth boss

And while the Blues boss won’t condone post-match melees like that witnessed against Oxford, he took heart that his players had each others’ backs.

A skirmish ensued after the final whistle of Pompey’s 1-1 draw with Karl Robinson’s side on Tuesday night.

Ronan Curtis received a booking for his troubles, while the likes of Jack Whatmough and Tom Naylor were also involved.

Jackett admitted he wants his troops to refrain from that sort of behaviour in the future.

But it was an example of the camaraderie players and staff alike have said is sky-high this campaign.

Jackett also believes the togetherness among the group is better than last season – and is hoping it pays dividends.

The manager said: ‘We want to try to refrain from that. There isn't usually, and on this occasion, there wasn't, any punches thrown.

‘But in the emotion of it, yes, you do want to stick up for your mates. I understand and can see the good things about it but similarly, it's something that's not allowed in the game.

‘We always want good team spirit. It's something you have to have in a team game to be successful.

‘We have slightly fewer people than we did for the play-off games in July, less senior pros, but that was an unusual situation.

‘After lockdown, we didn't release any players which you normally would have done, there would have been a natural thinning out.

‘The start of this season, we addressed the balance of the squad because everyone is pretty close to it and spirit is better because of that.’

Pompey have yet to hear what action the FA will take after the fracas with Oxford.

But Jackett’s opinion hasn’t changed since conducting his post-match media duties and he expects the Blues to be charged.

He added: ‘We will be charged and the referee reported that because mass confrontation and comings together are not allowed.

‘We understand and accept that. None of our staff went onto the pitch but it passed very quickly. Both sets of players finished in good terms.

‘The rules say you're not all allowed to go round and there are really very few times when punches are thrown.

‘Tempers flared for 30 seconds or maybe a minute. After that, it settled down.

‘There were a few people laughing and some handshakes and wishings of all the best for next week.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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