Rival fans pull down fencing in Southampton after South Coast derby
Four people arrested as officers review footage to identify those involved
Rival football fans pulled down fencing in Southampton as they tried to reach each other after the first South Coast derby of the season, police have said.
The match took place at St Mary's Stadium on 11th October.
Police said almost 30,000 fans travelled to and from the game safely.
They said a minority of supporters tried to cause disruption after the final whistle, and officers and club stewards stopped them clashing.
An investigation is now under way into the disruption.
Fencing pulled down as fans left the ground
As supporters left the stadium, police said a number of fans from both sides pulled down fencing in Melbourne Street and Marine Parade as they tried to reach each other.
Officers and club stewards stopped home and away fans from breaching the fence and coming together, according to police.
The fans were escorted away from the area.
One officer suffered a minor injury and received treatment.
Coaches carrying away fans were delayed so that those caught up in the disruption could get on board safely.
Police said officers also worked to make sure the route out of the city was safe, and managed areas where some home fans had gathered outside pubs waiting for the coaches.
Investigators will review all available footage to identify those involved.
This includes body-worn camera footage, video filmed by police evidence gathering teams, CCTV and drone footage.
Four people arrested
Police said four people were arrested as part of the operation.
A 20-year-old man from Southampton and an 18-year-old man from Ringwood were arrested on suspicion of possessing a flare.
Before the match, officers on patrol in Hoglands Park identified a man they believed was carrying stolen soft drinks.
A 50-year-old man from Southampton, who was not attending the game, was stopped and searched, and a knuckle duster was found.
He was arrested on suspicion of shoplifting and possessing an offensive weapon in public.
After the game, a 38-year-old man from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of obstructing the highway as Portsmouth supporter coaches left the city.
Police statement
Assistant Chief Constable Simon Dodds, Gold Commander for the policing operation, said: "It has been another really successful policing operation, where we have seen almost 30,000 fans get to and from the game safely.
"Sadly, there were a minority of fans who tried to find an opportunity to cause disruption, but our teams on the ground, supported by club stewards, were able to act decisively and take control of the situation.
"Unfortunately, the actions of that small number of fans did cause a delay to the away coaches leaving the ground, but I'm pleased that no one was seriously injured and the coaches left the city safely.
"I would like to thank the professionalism of our officers and staff who worked alongside both clubs to make sure this was another safe game for all."