Angry fan chases referee in English third-division game

The Port Vale fan tried to confront referee Craig Hicks after he awarded an 88th-minute penalty to League One leader Portsmouth, which secured a 1-0 win for the visitor.

REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE: Angry fan chases referee in English third-division game. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

An angry supporter ran onto the field and chased the referee after a late penalty decision in England’s third division on Saturday.

The Port Vale fan tried to confront referee Craig Hicks after he awarded an 88th-minute penalty to League One leader Portsmouth, which secured a 1-0 win for the visitor.

The supporter chased after Hicks, who ran into the dugout, before members of the coaching staff on the sideline intervened and stopped the fan.

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Port Vale posted a statement on social media saying it condemned the fan’s actions and “will work with the relevant authorities to ensure the matter and the individual is dealt with a zero tolerance approach.”

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… pic.twitter.com/iaaqnuxqOc

— Port Vale FC (@OfficialPVFC) January 27, 2024

EFL and PGMOL also posted a joint statement on social media saying “Match officials should never feel threatened for their safety when playing a pivotal role in the staging of games in our competitions.”

Joint EFL and @FA_PGMOL statement:

"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.

"Match officials should…

— EFL Communications (@EFL_Comms) January 27, 2024

The loss left Port Vale only one place above the relegation zone.