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Fans to be kept apart again at south coast derby

Fans of Southampton and Portsmouth will be kept apart again for Sunday's game at St Mary's.

By Charlotte Coles · BBC Sport

Published: Friday, 9 October 2026 at 5:04 AM

Key Things to Know

Rival Southampton and Portsmouth supporters will be separated under a coach-managed travel system on Sunday.
Hampshire police will deploy specially trained officers to maintain fan safety at St Mary's Stadium.
Last season's derby fixtures resulted in 21 people appearing in court and football banning orders totaling 61 years.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Police will separate rival supporters when Southampton hosts Portsmouth at St Mary's on Sunday to prevent fan disorder. Away supporters will travel under a strictly managed coach "bubble" system coordinated by Hampshire police and both clubs to avoid repeating past violent incidents.

Assistant Chief Constable Simon Dodds defended the policing operation, addressing its reported £400,000 cost by noting criminal justice expenses from violence can be far higher. Last season's fixtures resulted in 21 court appearances, over £10,000 in fines, and football banning orders totaling 61 years.

Read the full article on BBC Sport

Fans to be kept apart again at south coast derby

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