Fan chases referee off pitch after penalty call in Port Vale’s loss to Portsmouth

There were shocking scenes at Vale Park on Saturday afternoon when a fan broke onto the pitch and chased the referee off it.

Port Vale lost to Portsmouth in a League One clash courtesy of a late penalty from Colby Bishop.

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The referee managed to evade danger as the fan was apprehended
And after the goal was scored, one fan became incensed and charged onto the pitch in the 90th minute.

Referee Craig Hicks managed to see the fan running towards him and sprinted down the tunnel before the supporter was stopped by both dugouts.

A statement from Port Vale read: “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.

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“We remind all supporters that entering the field of play is a criminal offence.”

The match was not abandoned and Portsmouth went on to claim all three points, keeping them at the top of League One.

Intercepting the fan was Port Vale’s coaching staff including boss Andy Crosby and coach David Dunn, who restrained him.

The supporter managed to escape stewards to run onto the pitch while he darted past players, who also did not spot him as he ran past.

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It was only when the referee turned around and saw him charging towards him that any action was taken as players tried to stop him.

Speaking on talkSPORT with Jamie O’Hara, Gabriel Agbonlahor could not believe his eyes and insists that it could have been a very serious situation.

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“You know what? The referee running has helped the guy running on and stopped him from going to prison and doing something that he’d regret,” he said live on talkSPORT.

“And helped the club with the security issue. How are fans getting on the pitch?

“The referee has saved the club and that fan from big trouble.”

Referee Hicks managed to get to the safety of the tunnel before the supporter was apprehended and escorted out of the ground.

The decision that incensed the fan saw Portsmouth take home all three points as they look to win promotion to the Championship.

Port Vale, meanwhile, are dicing with danger at the bottom half of the table and are 20th in the league.

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It was also the first game under new ownership after pop singer Robbie Williams was named club president.

The former Take That star is a huge Port Vale fan having grown up in Stoke-on-Trent and is desperate to help out after several years of misery for the club.