Pompey v Saints: A Case Study in Crowd Segregation

In the United Kingdom, spectator violence at sports events, particularly at football (soccer) matches, is an ancient yet current policing problem. ‘Football hooliganism’ has received considerable academic scrutiny, however the main focus has been on who the hooligans are and why they behave as they do. Other salient issues, for example the policing of spectator violence, have received rather less research attention.

One aspect of such policing involves the physical segregation of rival sets of supporters. This paper is an empirical case study of the crowd segregation arrangements adopted for the 2003–2004 Derby¹ matches between Southampton and Portsmouth football clubs. This case study outlines the concept of segregation and describes the two stadiums. It then gives a participant observer account of the segregation arrangements and incidents at the matches. Finally, the paper suggests six more general conclusions based upon the case study. Segregation remains necessary and is best achieved by management rather than physical measures. The proximity of the visiting fans coach (bus) arrival point is important, and it is easier to manage the staggered arrival of small groups of fans. What happens outside the ground has a direct effect on what happens inside and experienced stewards are more effective at ‘policing’ fans than the public police service.