Football fans handed banning orders after disorder at south coast derby
Some of the supporters ripped off seats at Fratton Park in January
A group of football fans involved in disorder after the final whistle of the south coast derby will be banned from the games next season.
Some of the supporters threw bottles and chairs, while others ripped off seats, following the game a Fratton Park, in January.
All 12 supporters pleaded guilty and 11 were given football banning orders (FBO) totalling 39 years.
As well as not being able to watch Portsmouth or Southampton this coming season, the fans will also be banned from all other regulated football matches, ranging from non-league to international fixtures.
Portsmouth Magistrates Court heard how some fans were involved in disorder including criminal damage to the stadium, with seats being ripped out of the stands and thrown. Coins, bottles and pieces of broken seats were also used as missiles.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary launched an investigation following the incident and later secured charges after viewing hours of CCTV and body-worn video footage, working alongside both football clubs.
Temporary Assistance Chief Constable Simon Dodds, who was in charge of the policing operation for the game, said: “These 12 supporters made a conscious decision to hang around after the game and get involved in violent disorder.
“While most fans left the ground without any trouble, this group started to rip up seats and throw whatever they could at opposing fans.
“This was totally unnecessary and incredibly dangerous. It was pure luck that nobody was seriously injured.
“We warned people before the game that we would not tolerate anyone who risks the safety of those going to enjoy these matches, but this group ignored that.
“Now they are facing large fines, lengthy banning orders that will prevent them from going to live games, as well as facing the consequences of having a conviction against their name.
“I hope this sends a clear message that we will work with the clubs and the Crown Prosecution Service to take action against those who cause trouble, whether that is on the day, or following investigations by our specialist post-match investigation team.”
Three men pleaded guilty to throwing a missile and criminal damage:
- William Miles, 25, of Redbridge Hill, Southampton, was fined a total of £1,246, including costs and given a five-year FBO
- Aiden Dolery, 31, of Poppy Road, Southampton, was fined a total of £849.50, including costs and given a five-year FBO
- Jimmy Brewer, 19, of Drake Close, Locks Heath, was fined a total of £1,684, including costs and given a five-year FBO
Two men pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage:
- Luca Balducci, 25, of Kielder Close, Chandler’s Ford, was fined a total of £849.50, including costs and given a three-year FBO
- Liam May, 26 of Crapapple Close, Totton, was fined a total of £504.50, including costs and given a three-year FBO
Six men and one 17-year-old pleaded guilty to throwing a missile:
- Alistair Jones, 40, of South Lodge, Fareham, was fined a total of £785, including costs and given a three-year FBO
- Matthew Hazzard, 40, of Larch Road, Southampton, was fined a total of £785, including costs and given a three-year FBO
- Evan Hazzard, 19, of Cherwell Crescent, Southampton, was fined a total of £253, including costs and given a three-year FBO
- Joseph Dowd, 21, of Monarch Way, West End, was fined a total of £701. No FBO was imposed
- A 17-year-old, from Chandler’s Ford, received a Conditional Discharge for six months and given a three-year FBO
- Morgan Gatenby, 27, of Tottenham Road, Portsmouth, was fined £380 plus costs and given a three-year-banning order
- Clayton Edwards, 19, of Queens Road, Portsmouth, was fined £500 plus costs and given a three-year FBO