The English Football League (EFL) and Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) mentioned they have been “appalled” after a fan chased referee Craig Hicks off the sector throughout a League One match between Port Vale and Portsmouth on Saturday.
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 residence stadium Vale Park. Seconds earlier, Hicks had denied Port Vale a free-kick.
The end result 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 mentioned 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 help to Craig and his workforce alongside Port Vale and the related authorities as they search to carry 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 strategy,” Port Vale said in a statement.
“We remind all supporters that getting into the sector of play is a prison offence.”
Source web site: www.hindustantimes.com
