The Pompey Supporters’ Trust have held constructive discussions with the police following the postponed fixture at Fratton Park against Millwall in November, with a view to improving the experience of supporters for the rearranged game on Tuesday.
Following the postponed game on Tuesday November 27th, the PST received 31 accounts from supporters on policing. When leaving the ground, some supporters – including women, elderly fans and under 18s – were met with aggression while trying to make their way home. Whilst we recognise that the unexpected cancellation complicated the policing operation on the night, it appears to us that some officers did not behave appropriately. Despite the history of these two sets of fans, the vast majority of people attending were good natured and deserve to be treated with respect.
The PST shared its concerns with the Football Supporters’ Association and the EFL, who helped to facilitate a meeting with relevant staff from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary. This was a constructive discussion focused on learnings for the future, including how the policing operation can be improved for the forthcoming rearranged game due to take place on Tuesday 28th January. There was a willingness from all sides to continue working together to improve matchday policing for fans in the future.
We’ve also shared our findings with the football club, who have updated their pre-match information sent to both home and away supporters as a result.
The PST would like to thank the police for their willingness to engage and positive response to our concerns. Supporters can continue to contact us with any feedback on policing, whether at the rearranged Millwall fixture or any other Portsmouth games, at [email protected].