Portsmouth FC fans banned for sneaking into match as ‘stewards’

Two brothers who posed as stewards to sneak into a sold-out football match have been banned from attending games for three years.

Kane and Dale Green, 29 and 31 respectively, were caught less than an hour before the Southampton-Portsmouth south coast derby kicked off in September.

The Pompey supporting pair arrived at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton for the match – the first league meeting between the rivals for 13 years – wearing hi-vis vests and carrying radio equipment to blend in with staff.

The men, who live in Portsmouth, admitted fraud by false representation and going on to a playing area of a football match. They were ordered to pay fines and costs totalling just over £1,000 each.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said Kane Green told officers after his arrest that the plan was hatched “just in case” they were unable to buy tickets outside the ground.

“This was a ridiculous plot to try and see the game, despite knowing tickets were sold out and those without tickets would not be getting in,” said Assistant Chief Constable Tony Rowlinson.

“They clearly came with the intention to get into the stadium illegally, bringing hi-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.”