Portsmouth fans ‘really poor’ after Blackburn star controversy at Fratton Park
Portsmouth got off to the ideal start back at Fratton Park against Blackburn Rovers as Josh Murphy grabbed his seventh Championship goal of the season.
Murphy added his 17th overall goal contribution on Saturday (29 March) to put Pompey in the ascendancy against Rovers, who themselves have taken one point from their last five games in a dismal run.
This makes the opportunity hugely ideal for John Mousinho and his side to get back on track in their hunt to establish Championship football for a second term.
Portsmouth fans berated after Blackburn incident
While Portsmouth started the encounter at Fratton Park in the best possible manner, the supporters in the Fratton End were not covered in glory by the Blackburn Rovers radio duo.
An incident took place early on in which Rovers man Owen Beck – playing his first game since 4 February after injury – once again picked up a blow which forced him from the field just 13 minutes into proceedings.
After medical attention, with the game goalless, Beck and his side’s medical staff initially looked to head off the field the longer route across the pitch, rather than behind the goal, before then walking past the Fratton End.
A section of Blues fans took exception, chanting at Beck, to which the injured player and his visiting teammates responded.
“It’s really, really poor from the Portsmouth fans, it really is,” the Blackburn Rovers commentary team said (29 March, 15:11).
“Just screaming a tirade of abuse at Owen Beck. Beck’s having a bit of a nibble back, isn’t he.
“His shirt is pulled up over his face. After two months without a game, he’s back on and injured again. Lewis Travis makes a foul and he’s been wound up by what happened with Beck, I think.”
13′ 🔵 #Pompey 0-0 #Rovers 🌹
— Blackburn Rovers (@Rovers) March 29, 2025
🔄 We’re forced into an early change:
↩️ Owen Beck
↪️ Ryan Hedges@UtilinkConsult | #PORvROV 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/3PNy6H6xSY
Mousinho and his side need all three points
Portsmouth need the points in this Championship clash following their last two defeats, which had infuriated Mousinho.
The Blues were punished harshly for dropping points after sides below them in 17th position had picked up vital wins, chopping the gap from the relegation zone from 10 points to four.
With several players now having returned to fitness, there is a light at the end of the tunnel in this regard for Mousinho, who is still expecting a couple more back before the end of the season who can still play a part.
| Portsmouth 1 | Blackburn Rovers 0 |
| Murphy 20′ (assist: Bishop) |
Murphy has been superb for Portsmouth since arriving, and has been the real key difference – particularly in the absence of 10-goal Callum Lang.
A massive April awaits, and the second half presents an opportunity to see out a very welcome three-point haul ahead of the run-in.