The English Football League (EFL) and Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) stated they had been “appalled” after a fan chased referee Craig Hicks off the sector throughout a League One match between Port Vale and Portsmouth on Saturday.
General view contained in the stadium earlier than the match (Reuters)
The incident occurred after Hicks awarded a penalty to Portsmouth within the 88th minute, which Colby Bishop transformed, leading to Port Vale struggling a 1-0 defeat at their house stadium Vale Park. Seconds earlier, Hicks had denied Port Vale a free-kick.
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The consequence meant Portsmouth maintained their high spot in England’s third-tier competitors, whereas Port Vale sit three factors off the relegation zone in twentieth.
“We are appalled by the incident … and condemn the mindless actions of the individual involved,” EFL and PGMOL stated in a joint assertion.
“Match officials should never feel threatened for their safety when playing a pivotal role in the staging of games in our competitions.
“We will present our full assist to Craig and his staff alongside Port Vale and the related authorities as they search to convey this particular person to justice.”
Port Vale also condemned the actions of the individual.
“We will work with the related authorities to make sure the matter and the person is handled a zero tolerance method,” Port Vale said in a statement.
“We remind all supporters that coming into the sector of play is a felony offence.”
Source: www.hindustantimes.com
