Man arrested over threat to 'kill at least 150 fans' at football game tonight
Football
By
Mirror
| May 16, 2019
Police have made an arrest after a social media user threatened to kill 150 fans at the Portsmouth vs Sunderland League One play-off semi-final second leg.
A 22-year-old man from Northallerton has been arrested by Hampshire Police on suspicion of making threats to kill on social media.
The threats, posted on the Twitter account of Kieran30971361, referenced the Manchester Arena bombing which killed 23 people in May 2017.
"I wounder (sic) how many Portsmouth fans I can shoot everyone remember the Manchester arena bombing just imagine fratton park going bang well let's find out tomorrow," read the initial post.
It was followed by: "Bomb bomb fratton park went bang the Portsmouth fans all died Haha going to be fun tomorrow headline news."
READ MORE
Doctors set 90-day ultimatum for pay talks, warn of strike
Kenya, Italy adopt four-year cooperation plan after Ruto-Meloni talks
A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said: "A man was arrested overnight after threats were put out on social media about tonight’s Portsmouth V Sunderland game at Fratton Park.
"We continue to work with Portsmouth FC and can assure the public that a sufficient policing response will be in place for tonight’s match."
Portsmouth vowed to step up security ahead of the 21,000 sold-out clash and issued a statement in an attempt to assure fans.
“Portsmouth Football Club are aware of a message that has been posted on social media and are working with police on this matter," they wrote.
“The club would like to reassure fans that there will be enhanced security checks in place for Thursday’s play-off match against Sunderland at Fratton Park (7.45pm kick-off).
“Due to these checks, all supporters with tickets are advised to arrive in plenty of time to make sure they are inside the stadium for the start of the game.
“Tickets for the match – which is being televised live on Sky Sports – have sold out.”
Sunderland take a 1-0 lead to Fratton Park after Chris Maguire's strike earned them a 1-0 win.