Fan enters pitch, chases referee in Port Vale-Portsmouth match - ESPN

A fan had to be restrained by coaches and staff after running on to the pitch to confront the referee during the League One fixture between Port Vale and Portsmouth on Saturday.

The supporter entered the field of play shortly after referee Craig Hicks awarded a penalty to Portsmouth that Colby Bishop converted to give the away side a 1-0 win.

Hicks ran away from the fan before heading towards the tunnel at Port Vale's Vale Park Stadium before the individual was restrained by head coach Andy Crosby and other staff in the technical area in front of the substitutes' benches.

The fan was eventually removed from the pitch and the match in English football's third tier was able to resume.

«Port Vale Football Club condemn the actions of the individual who entered the field of play during today's match against Portsmouth,» the club said in a statement.

«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."

The result saw Portsmouth remain top of League One while Port Vale are just one place above the relegation zone.