The Hampshire Constabulary has issued a statement to confirm that there will be no ‘bubble’ allocated to Southampton fans travelling to Fratton Park for the Carabao Cup third-round clash on September 24.
When the two sides last met in the 2011/12 campaign, Saints supporters were ushered to the stadium via police escort in groups of coaches in an attempt to avoid altercations between fans prior and following the match.
However, no such operation will be in place later this month when the South Coast Derby takes place for the first time in seven years.
It’s safe to say that there were some mixed reactions to this news from fans…
Twitter user @baldsaintmark seemed surprised with the verdict: “Wow!!!! Carnage! Get your tin hats ready #saintsfc.”
@lagbo13 agreed that the decision to move away from the ‘bubble’ may not be the best idea: “Just asking for trouble.”
Many others are of a similar opinion, and @jtquartly made his feelings clear: “Ridiculous decision.”
Some, though, were rather pleased with the statement, and are happy that no ‘bubble’ system will be in place. @jamessfc said: Get in, great news! #saintsfc #pompey.”
Read Southampton’s verdict
It’s good that we’ve got some clarity regarding how the match will be policed, but only time will tell with this one – it’s definitely risky from the police.
Crowd trouble was kept to a minimum in the last meeting between the teams at Fratton Park, but it seems there will be a more relaxed approach – certainly before the game – to this reunion, rightly or wrongly.
Some of the concerns are definitely understandable, though, and we’ll only know for certain if this decision is a sensible one when the day comes…
