Port Vale fan invades pitch and charges at referee after controversial penalty call

A Port Vale fan ran onto the pitch and charged at the referee in a League One encounter against Portsmouth.

League One side Portsmouth continued their charge for promotion by edging past Port Vale on Saturday, courtesy of a 1-0 victory.

Portsmouth were awarded a 88th minute penalty after Abu Kamara was brought down by Conor Grant in the area, with Colby Bishop dispatching the subsequent spot-kick.

It did not appear a clear-cut decision, however, with Port Vale fans incensed that a foul had not been given for a challenge on Ethan Chislett moments before Portsmouth's penalty was awarded.

As Vale Park fumed at the incident, one supporter took his protests too far, invading the pitch and pugnaciously charging at referee Craig Hicks.

As Hicks ran towards the technical area for safety, the fan was accosted by security and both clubs' management teams.

Pompey kept their head amid the fury, however, to pick up a deserved win that sees them go two points clear at the League One summit, with Bolton in second with two games in hand.

Portsmouth returned to winning ways following defeats to Cheltenham and Leyton Orient.

Port Vale, however, are just one place and three points above the relegation zone. They have played two games fewer than Reading, who are languishing in 21st.

A Port Vale fan ran onto the pitch and chased the ref off it, after he gave Portsmouth a late penalty… 😳 pic.twitter.com/5nix3n0f9W

— Football Away Days (@FBAwayDays) January 27, 2024

Fans on social media were quick to respond to the incident.

One person said: "This is ridiculous! That fan should be banned from attending again. Refs can make poor decisions but they shouldn't be chased off the pitch."

A second person added: "That's one way to cancel your season ticket."

Moreover, several supporters called for Benny Hill music to be added to the clip of the incident.