Police investigate incident at Portsmouth match

Portsmouth defender Rob Atkinson scored twice to seal a point for the home side against Derby

Hampshire Police are investigating after objects were thrown at an assistant referee in Portsmouth's Championship game with Derby County on Saturday.

Objects, including a soft drink bottle, were thrown by a spectator in Fratton Park's North Stand towards the official in the 74th minute of the 2-2 draw.

The club made an announcement over the stadium's public address system condemning the behaviour and calling for witnesses soon after.

The incident, which has also been reported to the Football Association, could lead to the club facing disciplinary charges.

Portsmouth were fined £50,000 by the FA in January after admitting breaching FA rules in relation to failing to control spectators, the throwing of missiles and pitch incursions in their League One game with Barnsley in April last year.

At the time the club was also warned about its future conduct and that any further instances could lead to similar financial punishments or other sanctions.

"Objects thrown on to the pitch by any spectator, the use of discriminatory language, as well as entering the field of play, all constitute a criminal offence," Portsmouth said in a statement.

"Any spectator(s) identified as having thrown the objects will be subject to a significant club sanction, as well as a potential criminal investigation.

"We would like to thank those supporters who have already come forward with information. Our investigation continues and we appeal to anyone with any information about the incident to email us in confidence at [e-mail]"