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Portsmouth boss confirms surreal reason ref stopped play in Stoke City match

Junior Tchamadeu was preparing to take a throw-in during the opening stages of the Championship match at Fratton Park when referee Ben Speedie brought a halt to proceedings…

By Peter Smith · Stoke-on-Trent Live

Published: Monday, 9 November 2026 at 3:51 PM

Key Things to Know

John Mousinho revealed referee Ben Speedie halted play after a supporter pulled down a player's shorts.
A supporter was escorted from Fratton Park by stewards following the bizarre early stoppage.
Stoke City defeated Portsmouth 2-1 thanks to goals from Jack McGlynn and Ben Wilmot.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Portsmouth manager John Mousinho explained that referee Ben Speedie halted play during Saturday's match against Stoke City because a supporter pulled down a player's shorts. The stoppage occurred in the third minute at Fratton Park as Stoke's Junior Tchamadeu prepared to take a throw-in, leading stewards to escort the supporter and his family from the stadium.

Following the incident, Tyrese Shade scored in the sixth minute to give Portsmouth the lead. However, Stoke City rallied with goals from Jack McGlynn and Ben Wilmot to win 2-1, equaling a club record of five consecutive away victories dating back to 1947.

Read the full article on Stoke-on-Trent Live

Portsmouth boss confirms surreal reason ref stopped play in Stoke City match

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