The EFL and PGMOL have issued a joint statement saying they are “appalled” by the incident which saw a fan ran onto the pitch and chase referee Craig Hicks during Port Vale’s 1-0 defeat to Portsmouth.
Hicks ran off the pitch at Vale Park, with the fan apprehended by staff on the touchline as he attempted to confront the official.
The home fans had been furious as they felt they had a strong claim for a free-kick seconds before Colby Bishop’s 88th-minute penalty, which kept Pompey at the top of League One.
A joint PGMOL and EFL statement read: “We are appalled by the incident in today’s League One fixture between Port Vale and Portsmouth which saw referee Craig Hicks chased off the field of play and condemn the mindless actions of the individual involved.
“Match officials should never feel threatened for their safety when playing a pivotal role in the staging of games in our competitions.
“We will provide our full support to Craig and his team alongside Port Vale and the relevant authorities as they seek to bring this individual to justice.”
Sky Sports News has contacted Staffordshire Police.
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Highlights of the Sky Bet League One match between Port Vale and Portsmouth
Port Vale had earlier issued a statement condemning the actions of the individual involved.
The statement read: “Port Vale 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.”
The first notable chance of a fairly uneventful first half fell to Pompey’s Terry Devlin, who fired wide at the back post in the 27th minute after Bishop helped on Paddy Lane’s cross.
Bishop’s header from Lane’s corner brought out a good save from Connor Ripley just before half-time, but the teams went in level at the break.
Ripley had to be alert again early in the second half, firstly holding onto debutant Myles Peart-Harris’ effort and then turning away Lane’s fierce strike from close range.
Vale substitute Tom Sang missed the target from a cleared corner in the 67th minute before Peart-Harris’ shot into the ground was palmed over the crossbar by Ripley.
Abu Kamara shot wide for the visitors as the game looked destined to end goalless, but the same player was brought down by Conor Grant in the penalty area and Bishop converted successfully from the spot.