Police were called to incidents of public disorder after Southampton FC’s defeat at home. Officers were called to Britannia Road and Northam Road between 5pm and 6pm on Saturday. This followed reports of low-level disorder after the home defeat against Millwall. According to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, this was managed and de-escalated by police.
“At this time, no significant high-risk incidents have been brought to our attention,” the official continued.
Yesterday before and after the game, there was a noticeable police presence throughout the city.
Dispersal powers were allowed for use by on-the-ground officers in the city centre, the Polygon, and St. Mary’s.
“We have robust plans in place in partnership with the football club to make this a safe event for everyone, and to disrupt any individuals involved in poor behaviour that risks the safety of themselves and others,” stated Superintendent Mark Lewis, the Match Commander.
Today’s Saints home game against Millwall is being watched by a significant police presence in Southampton.
At 3pm, the St. Mary’s game started.
View the police presence from today in the gallery above.
Dispersal powers have been authorised for use by local police.
Officers would then have the authority to issue an order to anyone who they believe poses a risk of harassment, alarm, or involvement in criminal activity to leave the area and not return for a predetermined amount of time.
These would be in effect on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. and are provided under Section 34 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act.
If someone disobeys the orders, they are breaking the law and risk being taken into custody.
In addition, police will have the authority to demand identity disclosure from anyone causing disturbance if they are donning anything that would conceal their identity, such as balaclavas.
This would assist in addressing those whom the police suspect of engaging in criminal or antisocial activity.
The police claim that these powers, which come under Section 60AA of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act of 1994, are not frequently utilised in the county.
The city core, St. Mary’s, and the Polygon are included in the specific area that is covered by the powers.
Superintendent Mark Lewis, Match Commander, said: “This is an exciting event for football fans, particularly those who will be attending St Mary’s Stadium to watch the game. “We are grateful to the majority of spectators who wish to enjoy the game, behave responsibly and are respectful to one another. Regrettably, we do know that a small minority of fans do choose to behave in a way that falls far below the standards we expect. “We have robust plans in place in partnership with the football club to make this a safe event for all, and to disrupt any individuals involved in poor behaviour that risks the safety of themselves and others.
You will probably see our officers out and about interacting with fans and using their authorised authority to deal with any criminal activity or ASB when needed and appropriate.
Images from Southampton FC’s match versus Millwall at St Mary’s show supporters from the visiting team trying to get over a divider in the stands.
Even one Millwall supporter slides across the divider, bringing in the opposing supporters.
