Two brothers who donned high-vis jackets and posed as match stewards in a “ridiculous” bid to infiltrate a sold-out derby clash have been banned from football games for three years.
As well as wearing the jackets, which were emblazoned with the word “steward”, Kane and Dale Green disguised themselves with radio equipment and an earpiece.
Police branded the plot “ridiculous”, but the duo managed to get into a restricted area just metres from the pitch before they were discovered.
The game in September saw old rivals Southampton and Portsmouth clash at the former’s home ground, St Mary’s Stadium.
In the past, matches between the two Hampshire sides, whose rivalry is grounded in their cities’ proximity and competing docks, have resulted in violent clashes between fans.
And, ahead of the match in September, it was announced that Portsmouth fans would only be allowed to attend the game if they travelled to St Mary’s via pre-organised coaches from Portsmouth, in what was termed a “bubble”.
But the brothers, both Pompey supporters who did not have tickets to the game, had other ideas.
Assistant Chief Constable Tony Rowlinson, Hampshire Constabulary’s gold commander for the policing operation around the game, described what happened.
He said: “This was a ridiculous plot to try and see the game, despite knowing tickets were sold out and that those without tickets would not be getting in.
“They clearly came with the intention to get into the stadium illegally, bringing high-vis vests with ‘steward’ on the back, with one even carrying a radio and earpiece.
“However, what they didn’t bank on was the professionalism and vigilance of the club’s security team and our officers, who quickly spotted they weren’t wearing any accreditation and worked together to eject them.”
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The pair pleaded guilty at Southampton Magistrates’ Court to fraud by false representation, and to going on to the playing area of a football match.
Kane Green, 29, of Magdalen Road, Portsmouth, and Dale Green, 31, of Devonshire Avenue, Portsmouth, were fined £700 and made subject to a football banning order, according to Hampshire Constabulary.
A force spokesman said: “They headed to St Mary’s Stadium in September without tickets, carrying high-vis vests and radio equipment.
“At the ground they put on the items to look like stewards and managed to get into a restricted area, just metres from the pitch, less than an hour before the kick-off of this highly anticipated game.”
“The court heard how Kane told officers that he went to the game with the hope to buy tickets outside, but had the high-vis vest, radio and earpiece with him just in case he couldn’t get one.
“He denied being near the pitch and said he only wanted to get in to watch the game and didn’t intend to do anything else.
“Dale Green made no comment during his interview.”
