Fallout from Portsmouth v Southampton continues as FA step in | OneFootball

Portsmouth and Southampton have been charged by the FA for the behaviour of their players after a flashpoint involving Zak Swanson and Flynn Downes.

Portsmouth and Southampton have been charged by the FA due to the behaviour of their players after a flashpoint involving Zak Swanson and Flynn Downes during the 1-1 draw between the rivals on Sunday.

The second south coast derby of the campaign was always going to be a feisty affair at Fratton Park, with so much on the line for both teams.

Pompey are battling to avoid relegation, whilst Saints were hoping to get a much-needed victory as they look to get back on track in their quest to reach the play-offs.

Portsmouth and Southampton charged over Zak Swanson and Flynn Downes incident

Ultimately, though, it was a point each for Portsmouth and Southampton, after Leo Scienza’s opener was cancelled out by Ebou Adams’ first goal for the hosts since his arrival from Derby County.

However, the fallout from the game continued days later, as the FA confirmed on social media that they had charged both clubs for the behaviour of the players after a late foul from Downes in the second half.

Swanson and Downes were both booked for their roles in the incident, with players from both sides pushing and shoving during the melee that followed.

Portsmouth and Southampton will be focused on the run-in now

This is the sort of flashpoint that you expect in a game like this, as the south coast derby is passionate and emotional, and Downes’ foul was the spark to set it off.

Clearly, players on both sides overstepped the mark somewhat, although it’s worth noting that the referee didn’t book anyone else other than Swanson and Downes despite what went on.

The clubs would have known that the incident could bring a charge, and it would be no surprise if a small fine did follow, although Pompey and Saints have a chance to respond until Friday.

In terms of the game, it was played with real intensity, and it was a much better game than the goalless draw at St. Mary’s Stadium earlier in the campaign.

This fixture was the one both sets of supporters were looking for before a ball was kicked this season, so, in some ways, it will be a relief that it’s over as the importance of the game means it can become a distraction.

With neither side claiming a victory, nobody has got the bragging rights, and now it’s all about focusing on the rest of the Championship campaign.

For Portsmouth, the goal is clear, they must do all they can to stay in the league, and they have a huge game against West Brom this weekend. Meanwhile, Southampton travel to Stoke City as they look for three points as they try to close the gap on the top six.