Port Vale Supporter Storms Pitch To Confront Referee

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Adesina David

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May 14, 2023
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A fan of Port Vale stormed onto the pitch to chase referee Craig Hicks off the turf after he awarded a penalty in the dying embers of the game to Portsmouth.

The clash which was played at the Vale Park in Staffordshire was decided by a penalty converted by Colby Bishop in the 88th minute of proceedings.

The supporter of Port Vale was infuriated by the penalty call and he dashed onto the field to descend on Hicks.

Due to the fan running onto the field, the referee had to run to get safety before the game eventually resumed minutes later.

Referee Craig Hicks wasn't harmed, as the pitch invader was accosted by security staff and coaches present at the stadium.

The victory meant much for Portsmouth, who sit 2 points clear at the summit of the English League One table, although they have played 2 games better than Bolton Wanderers, who sit 2nd with 57 points.

Meanwhile, Port Vale are in danger of being relegated to League Two, as they sit just a place and 3 points above the danger zone.

However, they have 2 games outstanding, compared to Reading, who sit 21st on the log with 27 points from 28 matches.


John Mousinho's side will be delighted as the result saw them return to winning ways, having lost 2-1 to Cheltenham Town and 0-3 against Leyton Orient.

Only 2 teams can book an automatic qualification ticket to the English Championship, while the other teams from 3rd to 6th will have to battle for the last qualification spot.

Peterborough United, Derby County, Barnsley FC, and Stevenage are the teams that currently occupy 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th position respectively on the English League Two table.

Following the game, Port Vale put out a statement condemning the action of the supporter and they promised to work with the relevant authorities to ensure the matter is dealt with decisively.

The English League One club stated: “Port Vale Football Club condemn the actions of the individual who entered the field of play during today's match against Portsmouth.

“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 offense.”

Meanwhile, Portsmouth return to action on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, facing Oxford United in a Matchday 18 League One encounter - a rescheduled game.

The Vale, however, play against Fleetwood Town on February 3, 2024, in their next league encounter and they will be hoping to pick up valuable points against the basement club, who sit 24th in the league with 19 points from 28 matches.

Assaults against officials is one thing highly frowned upon in English football and as such, it will be interesting to see the punishment dished out to the outlandish fan.