Portsmouth Southampton Fined After Mass Confrontation

An Independent Regulatory Commission has fined Portsmouth FC £25,000 and Southampton FC £50,000 following a mass confrontation during their EFL Championship fixture on 25 January 2026.

The sanctions were confirmed in written reasons published on 11 February after a hearing held via Microsoft Teams on 9 February. Both clubs admitted breaching FA Rule E20.1, which requires clubs to ensure their players do not behave in an improper, provocative or violent manner.

Incident in the 69th Minute

The charge stemmed from an incident in the 69th minute of the south coast derby. According to referee Mr L Smith’s report, a reckless challenge by Southampton’s Flynn Downes, for which he was cautioned, sparked a confrontation involving a large number of players from both sides. Portsmouth’s Zak Swanson was also shown a yellow card.

Video footage reviewed by the Commission showed that following the foul, Downes and Swanson reacted aggressively toward one another. Almost every player on the pitch then became involved as two separate melees broke out, with pushing, shoving and restraining between opponents.

While the confrontation was described as relatively brief and no acts of violence were identified, the panel highlighted the number of players involved and the proximity to the crowd as significant aggravating factors. Given the high-profile and historically volatile nature of the fixture, the Commission concluded there was a realistic possibility the situation could have escalated further had supporters become involved.

The case was designated “Non-Standard” due to the serious and unusual nature of the incident. In Southampton’s case, it was also treated as Non-Standard because of a previous breach within the past 12 months.

Disciplinary Records Considered

In determining sanction, the Commission examined both clubs’ recent disciplinary histories.

Portsmouth had committed three previous E20.1 breaches in the past five years, including two prior mass confrontations. Southampton, however, had five previous breaches, two of which occurred within the last 12 months — including a first-team incident in December 2025.

Under FA sanction guidelines for the 2025/26 season, a first Non-Standard breach for a Championship club carries a maximum fine of £50,000, with an entry point of £25,000. A second Non-Standard breach within 12 months doubles the maximum to £100,000, with an entry point of £50,000.

The Commission determined that Portsmouth’s entry point was £25,000, initially setting the fine at £30,000 before reducing it to £25,000 due to the club’s acceptance of the charge.

For Southampton, whose breach was their second at first-team level within a year, the entry point was £50,000. The panel initially set a £60,000 fine but reduced it to £50,000 in light of the club’s admission.

The Commission agreed with The FA’s view that a standard one-third reduction for an early admission was not appropriate given the clear-cut nature of the charge.

Appeal Option Available

Both clubs have the right to appeal under the relevant FA Appeal Regulations.

The Regulatory Commission was chaired by Mr Michael O’Brien and included Independent Panel Members Mr Alex Cowdy and Mr Matt Wild.