A man has been arrested after allegedly threatening to 'kill 150 fans' at Sunderland's crucial play-off second leg against Portsmouth.
Police confirmed a 22-year-old, from Northallerton, North Yorkshire, was arrested in the early hours of this morning on suspicion of making threats to kill and remains in police custody at this time.
A series of threats were posted on Twitter referencing the Manchester Arena bombing which killed 23 people in May 2017.
"I wounder (sic) how many Portsmouth fans I can shoot everyone remember the Manchester arena bombing just imagine fratton park going bang well let's find out tomorrow," read the initial post.
It was followed by: "Bomb bomb fratton park went bang the Portsmouth fans all died Haha going to be fun tomorrow headline news."
The Twitter account has since been suspended with Portsmouth ramping up security at Fratton Park ahead of the League One play-off semi final contest.
A post on the club's official website reads: "Portsmouth Football Club are aware of a message that has been posted on social media and are working with police on this matter.
"The club would like to reassure fans that there will be enhanced security checks in place for Thursday’s play-off match against Sunderland at Fratton Park (7.45pm kick-off).
"Due to these checks, all supporters with tickets are advised to arrive in plenty of time to make sure they are inside the stadium for the start of the game.
"Tickets for the match – which is being televised live on Sky Sports – have sold out."
Sunderland go into tonight's match with a 1-0 lead thanks to a spectacular volley from Chris Maguire at the Stadium of Light last week.
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Police have reassured fans that a sufficient policing response will be in place on the south coast for tonight's match.
A spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary said: "A man was arrested overnight after threats were put out on social media about tonight’s Portsmouth V Sunderland game at Fratton Park.
"The 22 year-old-man, from Northallerton, was arrested in the early hours of this morning on suspicion of making threats to kill.
"He currently remains in custody.
"We continue to work with Portsmouth FC and can assure the public that a sufficient policing response will be in place for tonight’s match."
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