John Mousinho accuses Southampton ace of ‘trying to injure’ his Portsmouth players

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Southampton and Portsmouth played out a 0-0 draw in the first league South Coast Derby for 13 years.

While this will have been disappointing for both Will Still of Southampton and John Mousinho of Portsmouth, the Pompey manager was furious after the draw with the officials.

Mousinho believed that there was little care for his players due to the actions of one Southampton ace, as he accused them of deliberately trying to injure his Portsmouth players.

The action meant that two Portsmouth players had to leave the pitch injured, with one of them having to be taken to hospital to have his injuries further assessed later that afternoon.

• READ MORE: Former Portsmouth manager gives honest verdict as John Mousinho picks up ‘very good point’ vs Southampton

John Mousinho accused Tom Fellows of trying to injure his Portsmouth players

This was arguably one of two clear moments of frustration for Portsmouth manager John Mousinho during the South Coast Derby, as he accused Tom Fellows of trying to injure his stars.

Goalkeeper Nicolas Schmid was substituted off in the 26th minute, while defender Connor Ogilvie made it to half-time before departing.

A free kick was given against Fellows for a shove in the back of Ogilvie, who then collided into the onrushing Schmid.

Mousinho said: “I thought it was really poor. I spoke to the referee there.

“You’ve got two Portsmouth players travelling at pace towards each other, and it’s a small push, but it’s a small push with massive consequences.

“There’s no other explanation for that other than he’s trying to injure our players, and he did so successfully, so well done on that.

“[He should be booked] at least. You’ve got two players running at pace at each other; tell me what else he’s doing other than trying to injure them.

“If anyone gives me another explanation, then I’ll happily take it.”

• READ MORE: Will Still explains what Southampton ‘must learn’ after goalless derby draw vs Portsmouth

John Mousinho addresses the aggressive handshake with Will Still at full time

At full time Mousinho and Still had a moment that was eerily similar to the Antonio Conte and Thomas Tuchel handshake moment that is one of the modern manager clashes in the Premier League.

Mousinho appeared to be unwilling to release the hand of Still at full time, seemingly unhappy with the South Coast Derby, starting the excitement for the next one at Fratton Park later in the season.

About the incident, Mousinho said: “It was nothing; it’s just me and him are good mates! Don’t worry about it. It was fine. It was a strong handshake.

“I just said good luck for the rest of the season. I don’t know him. I just get peppered in my left ear all game. I try and concentrate on my own side.

“He made a good sprint onto the pitch early on. I thought that was good; I didn’t think you were allowed to do that. But no, he’s fine. No problems.

“When you’re competing against each other, that’s what you expect. I don’t want anyone to come off and be the best of friends after a game.

“I certainly don’t think the two managers of this football club should be mates. There should be a bit of feisty competition. I absolutely love it.”