Fratton Park was the scene of both drama and decisive action this week, as Portsmouth Football Club found itself in the headlines for reasons both on and off the pitch. While the team prepared for a crucial Championship clash against Derby County, the aftermath of a January pitch invasion during the fiery Portsmouth vs Southampton derby finally reached its legal conclusion. The dual stories of team changes and fan conduct have captured the attention of supporters and the wider football community alike.
On Monday, March 16, 2026, Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court handed down a three-year Football Banning Order to Richard Conaghan, a 34-year-old Portsmouth resident, after he admitted to entering the field of play during the heated January derby at Fratton Park. The incident, which occurred amid wild celebrations following the first goal of the match, saw Conaghan climb over the advertising boards and stride across the pitch toward the away supporters. Stewards acted swiftly, escorting him from the field before the situation could escalate further.
According to police, this action is intended to send a clear message: “Behavior which risks the safety of players, officials and fans will not be tolerated.” The Football Banning Order prevents Conaghan from attending any football match in the UK for the next three years, underscoring the seriousness with which authorities are treating pitch invasions and similar disruptions. The incident has sparked renewed debate about stadium security and the responsibilities of supporters, especially during high-stakes derby matches that often run high on emotion and rivalry.
The January clash between Portsmouth and Southampton is always a highlight of the football calendar on the south coast, known for its intensity both on and off the field. This year’s encounter was no exception. The pitch invasion occurred just as the home crowd was celebrating the opening goal, a moment that should have been about footballing passion but instead became a cautionary tale about crossing the line between fervor and misconduct. Stewards and security staff were praised for their rapid response, ensuring that the match could continue without further incident.
Meanwhile, on the pitch, Portsmouth’s focus has shifted to the ongoing Championship campaign and, specifically, to their match against Derby County on the evening of March 16. Manager John Mousinho made bold decisions in an effort to revitalize his squad’s attacking output, dropping Colby Bishop—a longtime stalwart for Pompey—to the substitutes bench. In his place, Jacob Brown was chosen to lead the line as the lone centre-forward, signaling a tactical shift intended to boost the team’s goal return after a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Swansea City in their previous fixture.
“We needed to freshen things up and give ourselves a different look up front,” Mousinho explained ahead of the Derby match. The decision to bench Bishop was one of two changes to the starting lineup, with Madiodio Dia also making way. Fit-again Regan Poole was restored to the heart of defense, and Conor Chaplin was recalled to start in the number 10 role, as Brown moved up from his usual position to spearhead the attack.
The matchday squad also saw the return of Makenzie Kirk to the bench after the young striker recovered from an Achilles problem. Conor Shaughnessy, who missed the Swansea defeat, was also included among the substitutes. However, there was no place in the 20-man squad for Hayden Matthews and Harvey Blair, both of whom were omitted from the matchday selection.
Portsmouth lined up as follows for the Derby County clash: Schmid in goal; Devlin, Poole, Ogilvie, and Swanson across the back; Pack and Adams anchoring midfield; Caballero, Chaplin, and Alli supporting the lone striker Brown. The substitutes’ bench featured Bursik, Williams, Shaughnessy, Dia, Le Roux, Swift, Segecic, Bishop, and Kirk—providing Mousinho with plenty of options should the game require fresh legs or a change in approach.
Supporters were quick to react to the news of Bishop’s omission, with many debating the merits of giving Brown a chance to prove himself as the team’s focal point. Bishop has been a consistent presence for Pompey in recent seasons, known for his work rate and knack for scoring crucial goals. However, a lack of goals in recent matches prompted Mousinho to shake things up, hoping that Brown’s movement and energy would unsettle the Derby defense.
“Jacob’s been working hard in training and deserves his opportunity,” said Mousinho. “We’re looking for a reaction after the Swansea game, and I believe this group can deliver.” The manager’s willingness to make tough decisions is indicative of Portsmouth’s determination to remain competitive in a demanding Championship season, where every point is precious and squad depth is constantly tested.
As for the fans, the dual narratives of the week—Conaghan’s banning and the team’s lineup changes—have sparked plenty of conversation. The Football Banning Order serves as a reminder that while passion is the lifeblood of football, there are boundaries that must not be crossed. Clubs, authorities, and supporters alike are united in their desire to keep the game safe and enjoyable for all. The swift legal response to the January incident is seen by many as a necessary deterrent, particularly as English football continues to grapple with isolated cases of pitch invasions and crowd disturbances.
On the footballing front, the changes to the squad reflect a broader reality faced by Championship managers: the need to adapt, innovate, and sometimes make unpopular calls for the greater good of the team. With the season entering a critical phase, Portsmouth’s ability to respond to setbacks—both on and off the field—could prove decisive in their push for a strong finish.
As the match against Derby County unfolds, all eyes are on Jacob Brown and the revamped lineup to see if Mousinho’s gamble will pay off. Meanwhile, the club and its supporters remain mindful of the lessons learned from recent events, determined to channel their passion in positive ways and support the team through thick and thin.
Whatever the outcome on the pitch, Portsmouth’s week has been a reminder of football’s capacity for both drama and redemption—a club navigating challenges, making bold choices, and striving to uphold the spirit of the game.