John Westwood’s iconic wig up for sale after ‘heartbreaking’ scenes before Southampton vs Portsmouth
John Westwood is one of Portsmouth’s most iconic and recognisable supporters.
Officially named John Anthony Portsmouth Football Club Westwood, the 62-year-old has been regularly spotted at Fratton Park since the 1970s.
Last season, Westwood got on the nerves of many Leeds United fans for ringing a cowbell throughout the match.
Donning his big hat and wig, it is not hard to recognise the superfan at matches.
However, Westwood may be spotted wearing a different attire for Sunday’s South Coast derby at Southampton, which has been years in the making.
John Westwood’s wig spotted on Facebook Marketplace after being stolen
Given Portsmouth’s great start to this season, Westwood is no doubt looking forward to the South Coast derby.
Westwood was one of many fans lucky enough to get a ticket, with Portsmouth’s allocation for St. Mary’s quickly selling out.
However, when he arrives at St. Mary’s, he has confirmed that he will be wearing his backup wig after his usual one was stolen by a Southampton fan.
After attending Portsmouth’s Hampshire Senior Cup match against Romsey Town on Tuesday, Westwood confirmed to The News on 10 September that he was heartbroken to have lost the iconic attire.
In one section of his interview, he said: “I was sitting there, we’d had a great evening, having a laugh, and everyone was fine. Then they started singing ‘We hate Pompey’, so I started singing ‘Play Up Pompey’. A bit of fun.
- Westwood has been going to Portsmouth matches since the 1970s
- The super fan is known for his Pompey attire, including his wig
- However, his back-up wig will have to be used for the Southampton tie
“My wig, hat, bell and bugle were on the (outside) table in front of me, and suddenly one of their fans walked past, grabbed the wig as he went by and ran off.
“It happened too quickly for me to stop him. Then he took it into a mob of them, and I didn’t see it again. I was on my own, so I suppose it was easy to do.
“I get the banter, I get all that. This is obviously a Pompey/Southampton thing; it is what it is, it’s not something you want to happen to you. The stewards tried to find him, but it had gone.
“The last thing I want is to cause trouble, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart. I just love this football club – and it breaks my heart when something like that happens.”
Since then, the wig has been spotted on Facebook Marketplace and is currently up for sale.
Romsey Town have also apologised to Westwood and pledged to continue trying to find the culprit.
- Read more: Southampton forward and Matt Doherty – Three players Portsmouth could sign for free in 2026
John Westwood has had his wig stolen.#pompey #saintsfc pic.twitter.com/fTAcRafr4b
— Ollie Warren (@ollie_warren99) September 10, 2025
John Westwood could have last laugh on Sunday
While the Southampton fans who stole the wig on Sunday may have found it amusing, Westwood has a chance to have the last laugh.
While Southampton go into the derby as overwhelming favourites against Portsmouth, Mousinho will be backing himself and the team to get a victory.
If this happens, it would be one of the most memorable results in recent history, especially with how high anticipation is for the match.
Hopefully, the squad will make the fans and Westwood proud and come away with all three points.
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