Police Seek Man After Flare Thrown Into Fratton Park Crowd Burns Two Soccer Fans

Hampshire Police are asking for the public’s help to identify a man after a flare was thrown into a crowd at Fratton Park, leaving two soccer fans with minor burns and damaging a young boy’s clothing.

The incident happened during Portsmouth FC’s match against Blackburn Rovers on September 19. According to police, the flare was thrown from the away section into a group of Portsmouth supporters in the Milton Stand.

A 46-year-old woman from Havant and a 26-year-old man from Gosport suffered minor burns. A five-year-old boy, also from Gosport, had his clothes damaged by the flare.

Hampshire Police have released images of a man they want to speak to in connection with what happened. The images were captured on CCTV at the stadium and have also been shared with Lancashire Constabulary.

Officers are urging anyone who recognizes the man, or who has information about the incident, to come forward.

The case underscores the dangers of pyrotechnics inside packed soccer stadiums. Flares and smoke bombs are banned at grounds in England, but they are still sometimes smuggled in and thrown, creating risks of burns, breathing problems, and panic in crowded stands. Clubs can face disciplinary action, and individuals can be hit with banning orders or criminal charges.

The incident is likely to renew questions about security and segregation at the match, particularly because police said the flare was thrown from the away section and landed among home supporters. Police have not said whether anyone has been arrested.

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