Shocking moment referee CHASED OFF pitch by pitch invader in Port Vale vs Portsmouth clash

A REFEREE was chased off the pitch by a pitch invader during Port Vale vs Portsmouth.

A fan charged onto the pitch in added time of the second half of the League One clash.

EFL IFollow via X formerly TwitterThe referee for the Port Vale vs Portsmouth match had to run off the pitch to avoid a pitch invader[/caption]

EFL IFollow via X formerly TwitterAfter entering the pitch, the invader began chasing after the referee[/caption]

EFL IFollow via X formerly TwitterThe ref was then forced to head towards the dugout[/caption]

EFL IFollow via X formerly TwitterStaff from both teams stepped in to stop the fan from getting to the referee[/caption]

Referee Craig Hicks was forced to run away from the pitch invader who appeared to be charging directly at him.

Hicks was protected by members of staff from the sidelines after the pitch invader was stopped.

Port Vale boss Andy Crosby and coach David Dunn were forced to restrain the rogue fan as he darted for Hicks.

The incident occurred just moments after Portsmouth had bagged a controversial penalty in the 88th minute to win the game 1-0.

Colby Bishop despatched the spot kick which seems to have led to the unbelievable moment.

Fans watching on couldn’t believe what they were witnessing with many taking to social media.

One wrote: “Imagine trying to attack the referee for making the correct decision.”

While another added: “It all went a bit Benny Hill for a minute there.”

A third joked: “To be fair he ran more then any of the Port Vale players today.”

And a fourth chimed in writing: “Disgraceful that this has been able to happen and that whoever they are felt that it was acceptable.

“A line seriously crossed there, pun intended. But seriously, gone too far is an understatement!”

The game was able to get back underway shortly after the incident when the supporter was removed from the field of play.

The result means Pompey remain top of the table while Port Vale continue to flirt with the relegation zone in League One.

Port Vale later released a statement on social media condemning the actions of the fan and vowing to work with the authorities.

It read: “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.”

It’s not the first time Port Vale have seen fans enter the pitch in one of their games this season either.

PAThe pitch invader was restrained by staff and stewards in the dugout[/caption]

PACraig Hicks waited on the sidelines while the issue was being resolved[/caption]