Football fan chases referee off pitch after controversial penalty award in League One match between Portsmouth and Port Vale

Hicks had made the decision to award Portsmouth a penalty in the 88th minute after Abu Kamara was taken down by Conor Grant - the spot kick was put away by Colby Bishop. The home crowd were frustrated by the decision, feeling Ethan Chislett had been fouled by Sean Raggett. One fan, overcome by frustration, despicably charged onto the field to confront the referee.

The Port Vale players and coaching staff, including boss Andy Crosby and assistant David Dunn, had to apprehend the fan before he reached the referee. The direct targeting of the referee is becoming worryingly more commonplace in football, having seen a referee in the Turkish Super Lig punched in the face by the Ankaragucu president last month. Port Vale have condemned the fan's actions.

Posting on X, Port Vale said: "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 supporters that entering the field of play is a criminal offence."

Port Vale will work with the authorities and will likely ban the fan. They return to action next week away at Fleetwood.