"Hattrick of safe derby games" will be police aim ahead of Southampton Vs Portsmouth match
Fans can expect to see specially-trained officers at St. Mary's Stadium for the game this Sunday
A hattrick of safe derby games - that's what police are hoping for as Southampton and Portsmouth face off this weekend in a highly anticipated derby match.
Fans will be transported in coaches to St. Mary's - and can expect to see specially trained officers around the ground, wearing protective equipment - as well as non-visible tactics to keep everyone safe.
Simon Dodds is Temporary Assistant Chief Constable and the Gold Commander for the match - he says police presence will be to keep everyone safe.
He said: "There's a real history between the two clubs and an exciting history where the vast majority of people want to come what is a really special day, and for most, might even be the highlight of the season.
"But we know there's always a small minority of people who, whether deliberately or just through excitement, break the law or do things that with hindsight they look back at and think that wasn't the proudest moment of my life.
"The police are there, really, to step in and make sure that everybody is as safe as possible so they can enjoy the day."
Last season fans of Southampton and Portsmouth football clubs were able to enjoy the action on the pitch, as the policing operation helped prevent any major disorder.
Now plans are in place to replicate that success this season and ensure it is a safe game for all to enjoy, with officers ready to act if needed.
ACC Dodds added: “We learnt a lot from the games last season and continue to bring that experience into our plans to ensure we adapt to the specific needs for this game, with our specialist teams in the right place, using the very best technology to deploy the right tactics where needed.
“Sadly, as we saw last season, there will always be some people who think the rules don’t apply to them.
“I would urge those people to really think hard about whether that brief moment on match day is really worth the serious consequences they’ll be facing long after the final whistle has blown.
“Last season we saw 21 people appear in court for a variety of offences, such as throwing missiles, pitch invasion and criminal damage.
“Not only did they have to deal with the humiliation of appearing in court, which can have a real impact on home and work life, but they were also left with large fines to pay and banned from going to games for up to five years.
“Public safety will always remain our priority and we will take action again if it is needed. So yes, be passionate and make your club proud, but don’t make a decision that will see you in court.
“We’re there to help keep people safe and make sure everyone enjoys the day, regardless of the score.
"So, if you have any concerns on the day, speak to our officers on the ground, who are there for your safety."
Following the convictions at court last season, fines totalling more than £10,000 were issued and Football Banning Orders totalling 61 years were handed out.
The Temporary Assistant Chief Constable went on to say the operations have previously received welcome feedback.
He said: "There are lots of police there in support of the club, but we know last season that the policing approach received some really warm feedback from people who were able to bring their children and their family to watch a game that people were worried about beforehand.
"So we do feel it is a proportionate policing operation, and it's one that allows people to come and enjoy what will be, hopefully, a very special game."