Police investigate theft, criminal damage and racial abuse following 'mindless acts of violence' during Portsmouth's wild promotion celebrations from ursula sward picture Watch Video

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✓ Published: 18-Apr-2024

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Police are investigating several suspected offenses including theft, criminal damage and racial abuse in the wake of Portsmouth's raucous promotion celebrations on Tuesday night.<br/><br/>Shortly after Pompey was crowned League One champions with a late 3-2 triumph over Barnsley, thousands of fans stormed the Fratton Park pitch to celebrate the club returning to the Championship for the first time in 12 years.<br/><br/>As celebrations continued long into the night, Portsmouth players and fans trashed an O'Neill's pub during a beer-soaked party, with videos circulating on social media of Marlon Pack addressing fans before being rudely interrupted by Joe Rafferty mooning the audience.<br/><br/>Another showed the squad singing along to Wonderwall by Oasis, while Will Norris was pictured behind the bar at O'Neills Southsea asking for more beers.<br/><br/>In the aftermath of Tuesday's late-night celebrations, police have confirmed that they are investigating several offenses. No arrests have been made at present.<br/><br/>'We are investigating disorder which happened in Portsmouth last night (April 16) following the football,' Hampshire Police said in a statement on Wednesday.<br/><br/>'We started to receive calls just before 11 pm to reports of disorder ongoing at O'Neill's pub in Albert Road, Southsea.<br/><br/>'It is believed around 300 people were present at the time, and we have received reports of several offenses, including theft, criminal damage, and racial abuse aimed at a staff member.<br/><br/>'The disorder is reported to have continued into surrounding streets, with people present then moving off in reduced groups to other establishments as well.<br/><br/>'We have also received a report of criminal damage in Drift Bar, and of a man being assaulted in Palmerston Road.<br/><br/>'Officers attended and remained in the area into the early hours of the morning.'<br/><br/>Chief Inspector Paul Markham, district commander for Portsmouth, added: 'Portsmouth's win against Barnsley last night was a fantastic moment for the club and for the city, and a moment everyone rightly wanted to celebrate.<br/><br/>'Sadly, a small number of people saw this as an opportunity to commit mindless acts of violence and criminal damage as part of the wider celebrations.<br/><br/>'Officers have been out in Southsea today and we are working hard to identify any offenses committed and ensure all lines of inquiry available are thoroughly investigated to identify people responsibly.<br/>