Pompey John, an iconic supporter of Portsmouth FC, found himself in a perilous situation during an assault at a nightclub. Known for his spirited presence at Fratton Park, where he sported full Pompey attire along with a distinctive long wig and oversized top hat, he gained widespread recognition among both his team’s supporters and rivals.
Despite his popularity, his fame led to a brutal attack. Recounting the incident in the book ‘Terrace Legends’ from 2005, he recounted a night when he and fellow fans, including two girls, stopped at a pub in Rotherham after a game.
They later moved to a nightclub where, without provocation, a group of individuals attacked them on the dance floor. Pompey John suffered a blow to the head with a bottle, followed by kicks and stamps, leaving him bloodied and fearing for his life. Quick action from the bar staff, pulling him to safety, prevented a potentially fatal outcome.
Reflecting on the ordeal, he emphasized his aversion to conflict, stating, “I’m a fan and don’t really like violence… being a coward, I tended to keep out of the aggro.” He revealed the extent of the violence, mentioning that besides himself, his friend was injured, and the girls accompanying them were threatened by the assailants.
Despite their non-confrontational behaviour, the attackers, identified as locals from Sheffield, targeted them without cause, leaving Pompey John and his companions bewildered and injured by the unprovoked assault.
