Police Enforce 12-Hour Dispersal Order in Southampton for Portsmouth Derby

A Section 34 dispersal order will be enforced in Southampton from 7am to 7pm on Sunday, September 14, covering the city centre and parts of Woolston and Bitterne, ahead of the derby match between Southampton and Portsmouth. The order grants police the power to require individuals to leave the specified area and prohibits their return within the period, aiming to prevent disruption and ensure the safety of fans, residents, and businesses. This measure is part of a broader policing operation informed by past experiences of clashes between the two teams, who are meeting for their first league game in 13 years. Assistant Chief Constable Tony Rowlinson emphasized that most fans want to enjoy the match peacefully and stated that the dispersal order is a key tactic to quickly respond to any troublemakers. Officers will patrol throughout the day, with those refusing to comply facing criminal charges. Additionally, joint community efforts by Southampton's Saints Foundation and Portsmouth's Pompey in the Community have been conducted to address anti-social behavior ahead of the fixture.