POLICE were today hailing the success of their operation after just nine people were arrested following Saints' first match of the season.

They were detained for a variety of offences, including assaulting police officers, following Saints' 1-1 draw with Millwall at St Mary's yesterday.

Hampshire Police staged a joint operation with the Metropolitan Police and British Transport Police because of the bad reputation of Millwall fans.

Chief Inspector Andy Bottomley said the match was followed by what he described as "some minor incidents of disorder".

He added: "There was no intelligence to indicate that the disorder was pre-organised."

Witnesses reported scuffles in the city centre including a fist fight in High Street.

A police spokesman said details of any charges resulting from the arrests would be revealed later.