(Reuters) – The English Football League (EFL) and Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) expressed their shock and disapproval after a fan chased referee Craig Hicks off the field during a League One match between Port Vale and Portsmouth on Saturday.
The incident took place after Hicks awarded a penalty to Portsmouth in the 88th minute, resulting in a 1-0 loss for Port Vale at their home stadium Vale Park.
Hicks had denied Port Vale a free-kick just seconds before the controversial penalty call.
The outcome of the match kept Portsmouth at the top of England’s third-tier competition, while Port Vale currently sits three points above the relegation zone in 20th place.
“We are appalled by the incident … and condemn the mindless actions of the individual involved,” EFL and PGMOL said in a joint statement.
“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.”
Port Vale also denounced the actions of the individual.
“We will work with the relevant authorities to ensure the matter and the individual is dealt with a zero tolerance approach,” Port Vale said in a statement.
“We remind all supporters that entering the field of play is a criminal offence.”
(Reporting by Pearl Josephine Nazare in Bengaluru; Editing by Christopher Cushing)
