WATCH: Pitch-invader Port Vale fan ‘CHASES’ referee for awarding late penalty to Portsmouth 

Port Vale currently are 20th in League One, just three points above the relegation zone.

WATCH: Pitch-invader Port Vale fan ‘CHASES’ referee for awarding late penalty to Portsmouth 

Port Vale staff hold back the fan from attacking the referee (Images via Daily Mail)

Port Vale have been struggling in the EFL League One. Barely surviving a relegation scare by four points, things have not improved. They are only 3 points away from a relegation spot and were once again in a relegation battle. 

On 27th January, they hosted League toppers Portsmouth in their League One fixture. Port Vale had gone six matches without a win and needed some points to get away from the drop zone. In their match, they managed to keep Portsmouth at bay, conceding 20 shots in the 90 minutes. It looked like they would get away with the draw, but things changed after a controversial call towards the end of the game. 

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Craig Hicks, the referee of the match, saw Portsmouth’s Abu Kamara being fouled by Conor Grant. Colby Bishop, the Pompey striker, converted it and ensured Pompey held their spot at the top of the league. Unhappy with the call, a Port Vale fan decided to jump into the pitch. 

FS Video

The fan, who hasn’t been identified so far, invaded the pitch and ran behind Hicks. The referee ran towards the dugout, not wanting to confront the fan. The coaches and officials stopped the fan before he could get anywhere near Hicks. 

https://twitter.com/Fazzer1411/status/1751287450314436956

Port Vale released a statement in which they condemned the actions of the fans and were ready to work with the authorities to ensure the correct punishment. The EFL and PGMOL released a joint statement, in which they condemned the actions of the fan. They further added that they were going to work alongside Port Vale to ensure justice. 

Has Port Vale ever played in the top flight? 

Port Vale is one of the oldest clubs in England. Although it is disputed, many believe they were formed in either 1877 or 1879.

Port Vale
Port Vale celebrating their promotion to League 2 (Image via Sky Sports)

After dissolving in 1907, they were succeeded by a club with the same name in 1909. During their time, they were not a part of the English Football League due to the original team being liquidated.

They were finally brought back in 1919 and were put in the Second Division (which was renamed to League One after the formation of the Premier League). For the majority of their history, they kept moving between the Second Division, Third Division and Fourth Division. The club has failed to make it to the top flight of the English Pyramid.

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