The Championship fixture between Portsmouth and Millwall was abruptly postponed on Wednesday night after a power outage plunged Fratton Park into darkness just minutes before the scheduled 7:45 pm kick-off.
The incident left fans and officials seeking answers regarding the cause of the blackout, with one theory suggesting the only reason it was abandoned was because Sky cameras couldn’t film.
Electricity Provider Denies Responsibility
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN), the company overseeing the local power supply, reported that a circuit breaker at a substation supplying the stadium had tripped, a mechanism intended to protect the broader network from faults. SSEN dispatched a rapid response team, restoring power to the stadium by 8:50 pm. However, the match had already been called off due to safety concerns.
In a statement, an SSEN spokesperson said: “We’re working with customers, including Portsmouth Football Club, to help identify what caused the circuit breaker to trip; at this stage there’s nothing to indicate a fault on the wider network.”
Portsmouth CEO Addresses Speculations
Portsmouth’s Chief Executive, Andy Cullen, addressed rumours suggesting that the newly revamped Fan Zone or issues with Sky Sports’ broadcasting equipment might have contributed to the power failure. Cullen clarified that the power originates from a substation behind the North Stand, which is entirely sealed off, and that the club has no access to it. He emphasised that the Fan Zone was not connected to the outage and dismissed claims that the match was abandoned due to broadcasting equipment failures.
Cullen stated: “We now need to understand why that trip took place, whether it was anything to do with the football club or elsewhere. It’s too early to speculate what that might be.”
Impact on Fans and Recent Postponements
The sudden blackout left the 21,000-capacity stadium in darkness, with fans using phone torches to illuminate the stands. This postponement follows a recent trend for Portsmouth, as their previous match against Blackburn Rovers was also called off on the day due to a waterlogged pitch. Millwall supporters, who had travelled from South London, faced significant inconvenience, with the club promising safe escort arrangements back to the railway station.
Writer’s View
The consecutive postponements at Fratton Park highlight the vulnerabilities in matchday operations, whether due to unforeseen weather conditions or infrastructure failures. While SSEN’s prompt response is commendable, the lack of a definitive cause for the outage leaves room for speculation. It’s imperative for Portsmouth to collaborate closely with utility providers to ensure robust contingency plans are in place, safeguarding against future disruptions and maintaining fan confidence.
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