Port Vale have given an indefinite ban to the fan who entered the field of play
and attempted to confront referee Craig Hicks during last Saturday’s game against Portsmouth.
Port Vale have given an indefinite ban to the fan who entered the field of play and attempted to confront referee Craig Hicks during last Saturday’s game against Portsmouth.
Ted Piolunowicz, from Stoke-on-Trent, has been charged with going onto the playing area at a football match and using threatening behaviour with intent to cause fear/violence.
The 62-year-old has been given conditional bail and will appear in court on March 7.
Hicks, who had awarded Portsmouth an 88th-minute penalty Colby Bishop converted to give the visitors a 1-0 win, ran away from the pitch invader after the man had attempted to confront him.
Stewards stepped in to deal with the situation and both clubs condemned the actions of the individual.
“Port Vale Football Club can confirm that the individual who entered the field of play against Portsmouth FC on Saturday 27th January has been banned indefinitely from the club, pending the outcome of the investigation by Staffordshire Police,” the Sky Bet League One side said in a statement on Wednesday.
“The club strongly condemns the actions of the individual and would like to remind supporters that entering the field of play at any point is a criminal offence and will be dealt with, with a zero-tolerance approach.
“We will continue to work closely with the EFL, FA and Staffordshire Police throughout the remainder of the investigation.”
Piolunowicz chased referee Craig Hicks after he failed to award Port Vale a free-kick in the build-up to Portsmouth’s 88th-minute winner from the penalty spot.
Hicks ran from the Vale Park pitch, with Piolunowicz apprehended by staff on the touchline.
A joint statement from PGMOL and EFL on Saturday 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.”
Port Vale also released a statement on Saturday saying: “Port Vale condemn the actions of the individual who entered the field of play during today’s match against Portsmouth.”