Sam Matterface apologises to ITV viewers over what Portsmouth fans did v Leeds
Portsmouth took all three points against Championship league leaders Leeds United on Sunday, but the home support took the attention on ITV.
A Colby Bishop strike in the 61st minute proved to be the winner as the only goal in the game, which gave Pompey all three points at Fratton Park.
Leeds saw heavy calls for a penalty turned away in the first half after Matt Ritchie appeared to catch Dan James, but he wasn’t punished.
Portsmouth fans force Sam Matterface to apologise
It was an excellent occasion between the two teams on Sunday (9 March) afternoon with a sell-out game at Fratton Park.
Not only were Pompey keen to continue distancing themselves from the relegation fight in the Championship but victory for their opponents would have given them breathing space at the top.
John Mousinho’s men were everywhere, and although they rode their luck with some chances, they were deserving of the three points to send the home crowd wild.
| Team | Possession | Shots | Shots on target |
| Portsmouth | 57% | 14 | 4 |
| Leeds United | 43% | 13 | 3 |
However, as the minutes ticked on, there was clear frustration for Daniel Farke’s team who knew how vital even a point would be from this game for them.
After a challenge from Freddie Potts on Junior Firpo though, that boiled over both on and off the pitch as supporters got stuck in.
Speaking live on ITV coverage (9 March, 13:50), Matterface was forced to say: “We’re going to have to give a yellow card to the crowd.
“There’s been some industrial language creep onto our broadcast so again, we apologise if any offence has been taken.”
Portsmouth claim victory against Leeds United
Victory for Pompey leaves Mousinho’s side still in 17th, but it creates a 10 point gap to the bottom three.
Mousinho will be eager for his men not to get too comfortable but if they carry on as they are, they are in a very good position to retain their position in the Championship for next season.
With four wins in their last five league games, Portsmouth’s form has taken a major turn with the future looking brighter.
A massive win against Leeds will no doubt build on the momentum too and with the atmosphere inside Fratton Park on Sunday, supporters will continue to push their team on until the end of the campaign.
With a victory as big as this, home fans were bound to be feeling the excitement and Matterface’s yellow card won’t be keeping them up at night with another three points on the board.