(Credit: Imago and Ian Darke on X)
(Credit: Imago and Ian Darke on X)
Match

'Going to be a lot of hatred' - Ian Darke shares Portsmouth and Southampton fan message ahead of derby return

Jack Dawson
Jack Dawson

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

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Portsmouth are finally set to face Southampton in league action on Sunday in a highly anticipated match.

Travelling to St. Mary’s, it is the first time the two rivals have met since 2019, with the Saints winning 4-0 in the Carabao Cup.

On Sunday, Pompey have a chance to get revenge, with Portsmouth on great form at the start of the 2025/26 campaign. 

Now, with tension rising, Ian Darke has sent a message ahead of the showdown. 

Portsmouth manager John Mousinho.
John Mousinho will be backing Portsmouth to get a victory against Southampton on Sunday (Credit: Imago)

Ian Darke: There will be a lot of hatred between Southampton and Portsmouth fans

The South Coast derby is no doubt a match with plenty of history and memorable moments.

While the two clubs have not played each other too often in the 21st century, the distaste between the two fanbases is still clear to see.

This has been evident in the build-up to the match, with Southampton facing backlash for their £40 price tag for Portsmouth adult away tickets.

  • The last time Southampton and Portsmouth met was in 2019
  • The last time in happened in the league was 2012
  • Portsmouth's last victory over Southampton came in 2010

Now, ahead of the match, Darke has shared his thoughts on the impending derby via X on 8 September. 

He put: “Going to be a lot of hatred and verbal crossfire this week between Saints and Pompey fans. But it’s great the Derby is back on. 

“Hope it’s a memorable day and match, and the crossfire stays verbal. 

“In frenzied atmosphere, vital to keep 11 players on pitch.”

Surviving first 20 minutes key for Portsmouth 

In front of a sold-out St. Mary’s, Southampton fans will likely create a hostile atmosphere in the opening exchanges of the match.

Therefore, it will be vital that Portsmouth quickly quell the crowd and don’t concede in the opening 20 minutes.

Portsmouth's all-time record against Southampton
Wins 21
Draws 15
Losses35
Southampton have traditionally got the better of Portsmouth

By keeping strong and structured at the back, it could dampen the atmosphere and potentially give Pompey an opening to find a winner.

Hopefully, Mousinho will have worked with his squad on how to deal with a hostile crowd, especially in a derby as big as this. 

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Ian Darke
South Coast derby
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