The intense rivalry between Portsmouth and Southampton takes a dangerous turn as accusations of foul play arise.
In a tense and goalless encounter at St Mary’s on Sunday, Portsmouth manager John Mousinho publicly accused Southampton winger Tom Fellows of deliberately injuring two of his players. This incident occurred during a highly anticipated derby, marking the first league meeting between the two bitter rivals in over 13 years.
Details of the Incident
During the first half, as both teams pursued a long ball, Fellows made contact with Pompey defender Connor Ogilvie, nudging him from behind. This seemingly innocuous push resulted in Ogilvie colliding with Portsmouth goalkeeper Nicolas Schmid, leading to significant injuries for both players.
Schmid had to be substituted shortly after the incident and was later taken to the hospital due to a wrist injury. Ogilvie also left the pitch ahead of the second half due to neck pain.
Mousinho did not hold back in his criticism, stating, “I thought it was really poor…
it’s a small push with massive consequences.” He further emphasized his belief that the act was intentional, saying, “There’s no other explanation… he’s trying to injure our players and he did so successfully.” The severity of the situation was underscored by one player ending up in the hospital while the other struggled to continue.
Reactions and Post-Match Tension
After the match, tensions continued to rise. Mousinho’s firm handshake with Southampton manager Will Still left Still puzzled. He remarked, “I didn’t quite get that… I don’t understand why he grabbed hold of my hand.” Mousinho explained his behavior by stating he was frustrated throughout the match and felt it was important for managers to maintain competitive spirit rather than camaraderie.
The game itself failed to live up to the high stakes and excitement that typically accompany such rivalries. Portsmouth midfielder Andre Dozzell came closest to scoring, hitting the crossbar early in the match, but overall, neither team managed to find the back of the net. Following the game, Still described the experience as a “flat balloon,” expressing disappointment in his team’s lackluster performance, particularly in the first half, which he deemed a waste of time.
The Aftermath and Implications
As the dust settles from this heated derby, Portsmouth currently occupies ninth place in the league with eight points from five matches, while Southampton trails closely in 15th with six points. The injuries sustained during the match could have further implications for both teams moving forward, particularly regarding squad depth and player availability in upcoming fixtures.
In a sport where emotions run high and competition is fierce, such incidents can lead to further disputes and discussions about player conduct. The accusations made by Mousinho may not only impact the players involved but could also influence the dynamics between the two clubs in the future.
UPDATE AT [timestamp]: As of now, Schmid is expected to undergo a scan to assess the extent of his wrist injury, while Ogilvie’s situation remains unclear. Both managers will likely have to address the fallout from this contentious match in the days to come.
