Two individuals have been issued three-year football banning orders after a failed attempt to illegally enter a high-profile derby match while disguised as event stewards.
The pair, brothers from Portsmouth, arrived at Southampton’s St Mary’s Stadium last September without tickets for the sold-out fixture. As part of a premeditated plan, they were equipped with high-visibility vests marked “steward” and carried radio equipment to complete their guise.
They managed to access a restricted area near the pitch in the hour before kick-off. However, their presence was quickly challenged by the club’s security team and police officers, who noted their lack of official accreditation. The men were subsequently removed from the stadium.
Appearing in court, both pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation and entering the playing area of a football ground. They were each fined approximately £700 in addition to receiving the lengthy banning orders, which prohibit them from attending any regulated football matches.
A senior police officer overseeing the matchday operation described the scheme as “ridiculous,” noting the defendants knew the event was sold out. He praised the vigilance of security staff and officers, whose intervention led to the swift ejection and subsequent prosecution.
In a statement to officers following his arrest, one brother claimed he had brought the steward’s vest and radio as a contingency, hoping to purchase a ticket outside the ground. The other opted not to comment during police interviews.
Authorities have stated that the case should serve as a warning and a reassurance to genuine supporters, emphasizing that they work closely with clubs to take robust action against those who seek to undermine matchday security.