POLICE INVESTIGATING ‘ASSAULT’ OF PLAYER DURING VALE MATCH
Club vows to deal with ‘minority of fans’
STAFFORDSHIRE Police have confirmed a ‘thorough investigation’ has begun after a Swindon Town player was reportedly assaulted after Port Vale’s League Two play-off semifinal victory on Thursday.
Fans swarmed on to the pitch at Vale Park after Swindon missed their crucial kick in a penalty shoot-out to send Darrell Clarke’s team into the play-off final at Wembley.
Robins manager Ben Garner claimed his players were physically and verbally abused by Vale supporters at the end of the game.
Swindon player Mandela Egbo also uploaded a photograph of himself on social media – which included a small scratch to his nose.
The 24-year-old wrote: “How you scummy fans get two free shots and only manage a scratch. And I’m supposed to keep my cool – if I react I’m the bad guy right?”
Now the force is appealing for supporters with ‘relevant photographs and video footage’ to come forward.
A spokeswoman said: “Officers are working with Port Vale and Swindon Town to investigate an assault that took place following the fixture at Vale Park.
“A Swindon Town player was reportedly assaulted following a pitch incursion after the conclusion of the game.
“Officers are working in partnership with both football clubs to identify those responsible.”
Vale owner Carol Shanahan said footage captured from the aftermath of the penalty shoot-out was being scrutinised by the club and police in an effort to identify what she said was the ‘small minority’ whose actions ‘took the shine off’ Vale’s incredible victory.
She told Radio Stoke: “Everything is recorded. Everything we have done from the day we bought the club is about being a responsible club.
“We work really closely with the police on everything. We will be looking at every single inch of the recording. And anybody we, or the police, identify, that did anything that is not befitting of Port Vale – they will be dealt with. They are not welcome at the club.
“We have to keep it in perspective. It was a small minority but that small minority has to be dealt with.
“They won’t be going to Wembley – and they won’t be coming to Vale Park again. There is no place for this at all.”
Superintendent Gemma Ward, head of force operations, has confirmed an investigation is being carried out.
She said: “Staffordshire Police and Port Vale are committed to ensuring that events at Vale Park are safe and enjoyable for everyone in attendance.
“Anyone seeking to ruin this will be firmly dealt with – such actions have no place in our local community. A thorough investigation is now under way.”
Vale are set to play Mansfield Town in the final on May 28.
Anyone with information – or with relevant photographs or video footage from the match – should call the force on 101.