Saints Fan Banned After Pitch Invasion During South Coast Derby

A Southampton fan who ran onto the pitch during last month’s South Coast derby against Portsmouth has been banned from attending football matches for three years.

Daniel Small, 35, of Wilman Way, Harnham, was identified as the supporter who threw a lighter onto the pitch before invading the field of play at St Mary’s Stadium. The incident forced the match to be temporarily halted in the first half.

Southampton Magistrates’ Court heard that Small, a season ticket holder, leapt over the advertising boards from the Kingsland Stand in the 38th minute and ran towards the halfway line before being detained by stewards and police officers.

Moments earlier, he had been spotted throwing a lighter towards Portsmouth winger Josh Murphy as he prepared to take a throw-in. Security staff were already attempting to remove him from the ground when he ran onto the pitch.

Small pleaded guilty to throwing a missile onto a football pitch and entering the playing area of a designated football match. He was fined £445 and handed a three-year Football Banning Order, preventing him from attending any regulated football matches in the UK.

Assistant Chief Constable Tony Rowlinson, who oversaw policing for the derby, condemned Small’s behaviour.

“We were clear ahead of this game that disruption would not be tolerated, but sadly this so-called fan ignored those warnings,” he said.

“Thanks to the swift actions of our officers and the security team at St Mary’s Stadium, he is now facing the consequences of his foolish actions that threatened to ruin the game for everyone.

“Within minutes, he had been identified as the person responsible for throwing the lighter and after he invaded the pitch, he was quickly removed.”

Rowlinson added that the incident should serve as a warning to others:

“That brief appearance on the pitch has resulted in a much lengthier appearance in court, leaving him with a criminal record and a banning order preventing him from seeing his team play for three years.”

Police said they would continue to work closely with both clubs to identify and deal with anyone who causes disruption at football matches.