PUNISH THEM IN COURT, SAY VALE
‘Fans’ run amok in Trophy tie
PORT Vale want to see Stoke ‘fans’ that sparked violence at their Checkatrade Trophy game on Tuesday night ‘punished appropriately through the courts’.
Police made 11 arrests at the game and investigations are ongoing after Stoke’s visiting support ripped out seats and sinks and broke windows in the away end at Vale Park.
The League Two club, who won 4-0 against Stoke U21s, face up to £100,000 worth of improvement works and a race against time before they welcome Cheltenham next Saturday.
“We are appalled at the beTaylor haviour of some so-called supporters who attended the game,” said the club.
“We condemn the actions of those people who attended the game with the intention of not enjoying a football match. Their actions were a danger to other supporters, staff and police.
Danger
“This behaviour has no place in society, let alone at a football match and we will work with Staffordshire Police and Stoke City to ensure they are punished through the courts. Football is a game for all and we will not tire to rid the game of those who seek to endanger genuine supporters.”
The FA will soon reveal their findings after referee Seb Stockbridge filed several incident reports from the evening.
Local police’s Tactical Support Team intended to make further arrests this weekend, it is reported, with violence spilling out of the ground and into Hamil Road after the match.
Detective Chief Inspector Rob said: “We have a duty to the local community and the loyal supporters of both clubs to act swiftly. The toilet block in the away stand was badly damaged. The cisterns and urinals were smashed off the wall, windows were damaged and there was an attempt to set fire to it.
“We will ensure all opportunities will be taken to identify those suspected of being involved in this despicable disorder and bring them to justice.”