Portsmouth face ‘disastrous’ consequences as points deduction now possible
Portsmouth are continuing to battle against relegation from the Championship this season.
Pompey sit 19th in the table, four points clear of the drop zone after a 2-2 draw with Derby County on Saturday (12 April).
With four games left to be played this season, there could still be plenty of twists and turns in the battle against relegation.
However, Portsmouth will be hoping that their fate is in their own hands rather than external punishments taking force.
Portsmouth face points deduction risk
Portsmouth’s form at Fratton Park this season has been strong throughout the season so far, although an incident on home turf could also prove to be their downfall.
Portsmouth were fined £50,000 back in January after Barnsley player Jamie McCart and an official were both hit by objects thrown from the home end in an FA Cup tie.
The South Coast club were warned about their future behaviour at their home ground but are now in further hot water after objects were thrown at the assistant referee in the game against Derby on Saturday.
Pompey are appealing for information, with the FA and police also investigating the matter. Portsmouth have admitted breaching FA rules and the Derby Telegraph (15 April) have reported that, because of it being a repeat offence, sporting sanctions could be put in place, including a possible points deduction.
The report states that: “Such a scenario could be disastrous with Pompey perilously close to be bottom three.”
John Mousinho has to put focus on the pitch
The behaviour of some supporters of late has not been very helpful to the prospects of Portsmouth going in their fight against relegation and there will be some concerns over the punishment having to be faced.
That being said, there is no concrete punishment yet but still plenty of work to be done on the pitch to make sure that the team does all they can to pull away from relegation.
| Team | Position | Goal Difference | Points |
| Portsmouth | 19 | -16 | 46 |
| Hull City | 20 | -9 | 45 |
| Derby County | 21 | -10 | 43 |
| Cardiff City | 22 | -21 | 42 |
A point against Derby turned out to be a good result, given that the equalising goal was scored by Rob Atkinson in the 91st minute.
However, Mousinho certainly would’ve hoped for more from his side, especially with the game being played at Fratton Park.
There’s not long left to go until the end of the campaign and Portsmouth have some tough games ahead, meaning the manager has to gear his side up for the run-in.
Supporters can play their part, too, but they need to make sure this helps their team, rather than cause any extra worries.