MORE than 260 police officers are being drafted in for tomorrow’s Saints and Pompey FA Cup derby.

A capacity 32,000 will be at St Mary’s Stadium for the FA Cup fifth round clash.

The match is being billed as the biggest of the season so far for both sets of supporters – and also for Hampshire police.

The police operation will attempt to ensure emotions don’t turn to violence.

Mounted police are being drafted in from Thames Valley to control the crowds outside the stadium, and pubs in the city centre will close for several hours around the match on police advice.

Chief Supt Matthew Greening promised to come down hard on troublemakers. He said: “We all hope no one spoils the day but anyone who does break the law can expect to be dealt with appropriately and effectively.

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“We won’t tolerate behaviour which interferes with the enjoyment of the majority who want to watch a sporting event.

“Anyone who does commit a serious offence can expect to be dealt with robustly. “ More than 4,000 Portsmouth fans are expected to travel down the M27 for the 12.30pm match, with many coming by coach and car.

British Transport Police will also be escorting fans using trains to get to and from the game and supporters will be shepherded from Southampton Central to St Mary’s.

Away fans will be escorted back to the station for a special train service back to Portsmouth after the game.

“While we’re not expecting problems, we will be operating a positive arrest policy and we will seek to pursue banning orders for fans whose behaviour is unacceptable,” said Chief Insp Matt Wratten, of British Transport Police.

Daily Echo: Extra police drafted in for big cup clash

The best Saints v Pompey FA Cup previews, only inside Friday's Daily Echo.

  • Steve Moran, Mark Dennis, Mark Wright and Peter Shilton recall the famous FA Cup win at Fratton Park in 1984.
  • Rickie Lambert looks forward to his first south coast derby.
  • Neil Shipperley (Saints) and Jon Gittens (Pompey) recall the 1996 FA Cup derby.
  • Why ex-Dell striker Gordon Watson is urging Saints to beware Pompey's pace.
  • Saints legend Terry Paine hits out at chairman Nicola Cortese for telling Alan Pardew to improve Saints' league position.
  • Teams news from both camps.
  • A look at the key battles on the pitch and where the tie could be won and lost.

... plus lots, lots more

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