'Joke' - Fans react as two Portsmouth supporters banned for pretending to be stewards for Southampton match | OneFootball

Two Portsmouth fans were given three-year banning orders after trying to enter the recent derby game against Southampton as fake stewards.

Two Portsmouth supporters have been issued with three-year banning orders after they tried to enter the recent derby against Southampton as stewards.

The south coast rivals hadn’t met in the league since 2012 prior to the fixture in September, so it was eagerly anticipated by fans of both clubs.

Therefore, there would have been a scramble for tickets, particularly for Pompey supporters who were desperate to get in the away end.

Portsmouth fans hit with banning orders after trying to sneak into Southampton fixture

It appears two of their fans went too far on that front though, as Sky Sports revealed that Dale and Kane Green went to St. Mary’s Stadium without tickets, trying to access the ground.

The brothers had hi-vis jackets and radio equipment as they tried to trick security staff that they were stewards, and it was claimed that they managed to get near the pitch before kick-off.

However, police and security noticed they didn’t have the right accreditation, so they were arrested, and the pair were handed a £700 fine and a three-year banning order.

That punishment became a talking point among fans across the country, with this fan feeling it was harsh to ban the fans for taking a chance on trying to see the big game...

Another fan echoed those thoughts, as they claimed the length of the ban was excessive.

Despite the rivalry, this Southampton fan had sympathy for the Pompey supporters.

The duo were praised here for the lengths they went to in order to watch the game, although it ultimately backfired.

With the game ending in a dull, goalless draw, this fan joked that watching the game would've been enough punishment, as both sides struggled to create clear opportunities as they with a point apiece.

Southampton vs Portsmouth rivalry is among the fiercest in the country

There will be sympathy among football fans over this ban, as we all know how big the south coast derby is, and it would certainly rank among the fiercest in the country.

So, with the two clubs having not played each other in the league for over a decade, there was plenty of hype going into the fixture, and it's no surprise that the game was sold out very quickly.

As mentioned above, it actually turned out to be a very forgettable game, with both teams probably understanding the importance of not losing the game, to ensure they don't lose the bragging rights. However, as the away time, and given the gap in resources, it's fair to say it was a better point for Portsmouth.

Now, attention will turn to the meeting at Fratton Park, which is due to be played on January 25. Of course, there is a lot of football to be played between now and then, but it will already be on the minds of the supporters, and it's shaping up to be a huge game for both.

Pompey are struggling in 20th right now, and whilst back-to-back victories have improved Saints' position, they remain without a permanent manager, and are underachieving given their pre-season hopes, but it will be interesting to see how the table looks by the time the game comes around.