Shocking moment football fan PUNCHES police horse before being chased down by riot cops at Portsmouth vs - talkSPORT.com, TalkSport

A football fan punched a police horse in disgraceful scenes following Portsmouth’s Carabao Cup clash against arch-rivals Southampton on Tuesday night.

Footage circulated on social media of the yob, believed to be a Pompey supporter, swinging a fist at the animal as police attempted to control violent crowds following the Premier League side’s 4-0 win at Fratton Park. )

A football fan, believed to be a Portsmouth supporter, senselessly swings his fist at a police horse outside Fratton Park on Tuesday night

The man was chased down by riot police soon after

A stunned onlooker recording the incident can be heard shouting: “He’s swinging for a horse! He’s swinging for a horse! Is he mad?! ”

After the cowardly act the perpetrator attempted to escape the wrath of the authorities by running away from the scene.

However, he was unsuccessful in doing so, with the police rider and horse chasing the man down the road before he ran into a unit of riot cops.

He was subsequently pinned down to the floor and restrained by a large number of officers who were present.

Earlier, rival supporters clashed in fiery scenes ahead of kick-off on the south coast.

Footage captured by one man shows one police officer being thrown to the floor as Portsmouth and Southampton fans went head-to-head for the first time in seven years.

Large numbers of police were present who attempted to separate both sets of supporters and guide them safely into the ground.

Coins, bottles and smoke grenades were among the objects thrown as the shameful scenes of violence broke out.

A large array of authorities had to huddle around the two sets of fans to get them into Fratton Park ahead of kick-off

It was the first meeting between the two sides since April 2012, with a red hot atmosphere both inside and outside the ground.

Danny Ings notched a first-half double, while Cedric Soares and substitute Nathan Redmond were also on target for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men as they eased past the League One strugglers on the night.

Hampshire Constabulary said prior to the game this would be their largest-ever football policing operation, owing to the high possibility of violence occurring on the night.

The emergency services used horses, dogs, helicopters and drones to disperse the angry crowds.