POLICE today scotched rumours that away fans would be banned when Saints take on arch-rivals Pompey in the Premiership next season.

The reassurance follows widespread speculation that Southampton and Portsmouth FC supporters could be prevented from attending games at their rivals' grounds for safety reasons.

Pompey's promotion to the Premiership last week means the club will be slugging it out against Saints for south-coast supremacy when the new football season starts in August.

This week, rumours have been circulating that away supporters will be banned from both football grounds when the clubs clash, due to concerns about possible trouble between fans.

But today police stressed there were not yet any specific plans in place for the managing of the games.

Hampshire police spokeswoman Lucy Dibdin said: "It is far too early to speculate about what will happen but there are certainly no plans to ban away supporters.

"The planning for next season's football will take place over the summer, and arrangements for individual games will be planned in exactly the same way as usual.

"We will be looking at any intelligence we receive and will act accordingly if there are signs of potential problems.

"However, we expect the fans to behave, regardless of which teams are involved."

Saints chairman Rupert Lowe has praised Pompey for reaching the top flight for the first time in 15 years.

"I'm delighted for Portsmouth and we look forward to meeting them twice next season," he said.

The clubs' last clash was in the FA Cup at The Dell, Southampton, in 1996 - when Saints emerged as comfortable winners, after beating their fiercest rivals 3-0.