With Southampton and Portsmouth set to clash in the same division for the first time in over a decade, Hampshire Police have stepped in to reassure residents and fans alike that preparations are already underway to ensure the hotly anticipated fixtures are safe and secure.
Following Portsmouth’s 1-0 win over Watford last weekend, confirming their Championship status for next season, the south coast derby is officially back on the calendar for the first time since the 2011/12 campaign. While the return of the rivalry has ignited excitement across Hampshire, it’s also raised concerns about crowd behaviour and the potential for violence.
Hampshire Police responded swiftly this week, promising to draw upon their “significant experience” in managing these often-intense encounters between Saints and Pompey.
“We know what this match means to both sets of fans,” said a police spokesperson. “We are working closely with both clubs to help make sure that the fans are able to enjoy the upcoming games.
“Our Dedicated Football Unit has well-established relationships with both clubs and their fan groups, and as with any football match, we will work together to ensure our policing operation is carefully planned to meet the needs of these two matches next season.”
The force’s message aimed to strike a balance—acknowledging the magnitude and emotional charge of the fixture while emphasizing their preparedness to maintain order and safety.
The two clubs haven’t shared a league since the 2011/12 Championship season, when Portsmouth were relegated and began their plummet through the divisions. Meanwhile, Southampton went the other way and spent several years in the Premier League, keeping the clubs apart until now.
Fans on both sides are already brimming with anticipation. On Facebook, Saints supporter Craig Wilson wrote: “Let’s just say both sets of fans will be up for it, and for the players that have never played in one they are in for a shock. This is what derby days are about.”
Another, Peter Berkeley, added: “Obviously we need things to change at St Mary’s, but as for the matches, I love the atmosphere at these games.”
Martyn Biddiscombe kept things cheeky, predicting “six points for Saints,” while others like Christine Lawrence and James Snailham simply expressed how much they’re looking forward to the fixtures.
In a lighter vein, Alun Epps commented that he was ready for some “collegiate sporting behaviour and good-natured banter”—a sentiment many fans hope is upheld despite the fixture’s notoriously fiery history.
The exact dates of the two league derbies will be revealed when the 2025/26 Championship fixture list is released in the summer, but the countdown has already begun. And with police now actively involved in the planning stages, the message is clear: enjoy the rivalry, but keep it respectful.
In other news, A Portsmouth manager addresses concerns about the future as West Brom and Norwich City look for new managers.
