A fan had to be controlled by coaches and staff as he ran onto the field to confront the referee during the League One match between Port Vale and Portsmouth on Saturday.
This incident occurred shortly after referee Craig Hicks awarded a penalty to Portsmouth, which Colby Bishop successfully converted, securing a 1-0 victory for the away team.
Attempting to escape the situation, Hicks moved towards the tunnel at Port Vale’s Vale Park Stadium. The fan, however, was restrained by head coach Andy Crosby and other staff near the technical area and substitutes’ benches. Eventually, the disruptive fan was removed from the pitch, allowing the League One fixture to resume.
“Port Vale Football Club condemn the actions of the individual who entered the field of play during today’s match against Portsmouth,” the club said in a statement.
“We will work with the relevant authorities to ensure the matter and the individual is dealt with a zero tolerance approach.
“We remind all supporters that entering the field of play is a criminal offence.”
English Football League (EFL) and Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the organization responsible for managing referees in England, issued a collective statement regarding the confrontation
“We are appalled by the incident in today’s League One fixture between Port Vale and Portsmouth which saw referee Craig Hicks chased off the field of play and condemn the mindless actions of the individual involved,” it said.
“Match officials should never feel threatened for their safety when playing a pivotal role in the staging of games in our competitions.
“We will provide our full support to Craig and his team alongside Port Vale and the relevant authorities as they seek to bring this individual to justice.”
The result saw Portsmouth remain top of League One while Port Vale are just one place above the relegation zone.