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      Sheffield Wednesday boss surprised he could field £40k-a-week Premier League star after snubbing him from squad

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      NEWCASTLE loanee Jeff Hendrick was left off Sheffield Wednesday’s 25-man EFL registered squad, but still played in an FA Cup game. Hendrick was back on the pitch in last week’s FA Cup match against Coventry, which Wednesday lost 4-1. 
      Danny Rohl left Newcastle loanee Jeff Hendrick off the registered squad listCredit: PA
      The former Newcastle star managed to actually get some minutesCredit: Getty
      Hendrick joined Wednesday at the start of the season after falling out of favour at St James’ Park.
      In January he reportedly asked to terminate his loan spell at Hillsborough but the request was refused.
      Manager Danny Rohl explained Hendrick’s latest appearance on the pitch, saying he was surprised to discover that players left off the EFL squad registration list can still play in cup games. 
      Speaking to The Star, Rohl said: “He played some minutes in the cup which was good.
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      “There is a learning also from my side that you have an FA Cup list and a league list.” 
      He went on to explain why Hendrick had originally been left out of the squad, saying: “We have seven loans and so we have to make decisions, this is part of the reason why.”
      As the rules stand, a club can only register five loanee players and Hendrick did not make the cut. 
      Rohl then said it wasn’t all over for the player, adding: “He is still involved and I think maybe when I look to the next 15 games it could be that he is helpful. 
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      “He has trained, he is professional. 
      “All of my players have taken the situation how it is. 
      Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers
      “This is not normal, when I compare this to my stations before, you have players who are disappointed and they show this. 
      “But my group is fantastic, it is outstanding what they are doing. 
      “It’s great to see.”
      Wednesday will play Championship leaders Leicester tomorrow in their bid to move out of the relegation zone. More

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      Huge EFL clash CALLED OFF after 9 mins over fears for players as weather wreaks havoc after away fans travelled 400miles

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      BOLTON’S clash at Cambridge was postponed after just NINE MINUTES due to the weather.The promotion chasers and their supporters had made the 400 mile round-trip south in the grim and wet conditions for tonight’s League One clash.
      Cambridge’s clash with Bolton was called off after just nine minutesCredit: Rex
      Heavy downpours made the pitch unplayable despite work from ground staffCredit: Rex
      Ground staff had been working on the pitch right up until kick-off as they shovelled dry soil to an area pointed out by the concerned ref.
      He had also inspected the same spot just before starting the game with the rain lashing down.
      However, inside the opening five minutes there was standing water beginning to pop up in several places on the playing surface.
      Then, in the ninth minute, the ref whistled to stop the game and after a short consultation with both dug-outs, the teams headed down the tunnel.
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      But the heavy water on the surface forced the referee to stop play after just nine minutes.
      The game started as scheduled at 7.45pm but it did not take long for the effects of today’s heavy downpours to show.
      Bolton’s social media account then reported that the referee ran to speak with both Cambridge boss Neil Harris and Bolton’s Ian Evatt.
      The official then “called the players into the tunnel with the pitch deteriorating in the rain”.
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      That was then followed by a further update that read: “There will be a ten minute wait to assess the pitch.
      “The ground staff are attempting to clear the standing water off the surface.
      Crunch EFL clash CALLED OFF just 90 minutes before kick-off as fans slam ‘absolute disgrace’ after four-hour round-trip
      “We will provide more information when we have it.”
      Then came the news that the game had been officially abandoned due to the waterlogged pitch.
      Fans were left furious earlier when Burton Albion’s clash with Cheltenham Town was postponed less than 90 minutes before kick-off.
      And that was followed by the news that the League Two game between Walsall and Morecambe was also off due to a waterlogged pitch. More

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      Huge EFL match postponed with fans ‘just ten minutes from ground’ as supporters slam pathetic footie chiefs

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      THE League Two clash between Wallsall and Morecambe has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.Some fans had already begun their journeys to the ground when the announcement was made.
      Groundsmen did all they could to get rid of the waterCredit: Sky Sports
      The ball struggled to role as refs conducted a pitch inspectionCredit: BBC
      The rain has been pouring down all dayCredit: Sky Sports
      It is unclear when the match will be replayedCredit: Sky Sports
      Groundsmen made a desperate attempt to get the game on, using forks and spades at the Bescot Stadium.
      But following an inspection from the ref, a decision was made to postpone the fixture.
      A BBC reporter claims when the ball landed there was “an audible plop”.
      Supporters were left unhappy with the late timing of the decision as one raged: “Pathetic calling the game off when fans are ten mins from the ground.”
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      More reacted: “Terrible communication tonight – do better.”
      Another added: “Shocking from Walsall only announcing an inspection at 6:15.”

      A fourth wrote: “Shame for the fans who have already travelled.”
      It is currently unclear when the match will be replayed.
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      Walsall sit 15th in League Two and Morecambe are 12th in the table.
      It was not the only EFL game scrapped tonight due to torrential rain, the clash between Burton Albion and Cheltenham was also called off.
      Crunch EFL clash CALLED OFF just 90 minutes before kick-off as fans slam ‘absolute disgrace’ after four-hour round-trip
      Similarly, fans fumed at communication from the clubs as a pitch inspection was not announced until under two hours before kick-off. More

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      Inside Charlton turmoil as Nathan Jones is latest manager drafted in to try and restore crisis club to former glory

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      NATHAN JONES takes over today at Charlton – but what the hell is going on with that club right now?They enjoy one of the most fiercely-loyal fan-bases in the country, have a stadium fit for the Premier League and a club that is respected throughout the game for its history as well as family and community values.
      Nathan Jones has been handed the task of steering Charlton away from the relegation zoneCredit: PA
      But the Addicks being involved in a RELEGATION scrap to avoid dropping into League Two is a complete disgrace for a club that size.
      Their 1-0 loss to Derby at The Valley on Sunday means they have now gone 14 games without a win and, alarmingly, are just three points above the drop zone.
      Welshman Jones is worthy of a Championship job after the superb work he did twice with Luton.
      But the lure of managing a club the size of the South Londoners proved too good to turn down.
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      Yet on the pitch they have been sleepwalking and if they are not careful during the next few months could crash into the bottom tier of the EFL.
      And if that happened it would be a complete travesty. They shouldn’t even be as low as League One, never mind League Two.
      This is their SEVENTEENTH season outside the Premier League.
      Fans were so happy when controversial Belgian owner Roland Duchatelet sold the club just over four years ago but they have only stagnated. They have had so many false dawns.
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      There was the reign under ex-owner Tahnoon Nimer and former chairman Matt Southall that turned into a civil war between the pair – with the latter renting an expensive River Thames apartment and driving fancy Range Rovers, all at the club’s expense.
      Then there was Thomas Sandgaard, the US-based Danish businessman and part-time rock ’n roll guitarist, who came in promising to take the club back into the Premier League.
      My flat looks into a former Premier League football stadium – you don’t need a ticket but have to put up with big issue
      He passionately meant what he said – but soon found out that owning an English football club is not as easy as you think.
      Sandgaard is a good man and without his takeover the club would have certainly gone into administration.
      I spent a fair amount of time with him. There was no doubt he was sincere and believed he could fire up Charlton.
      Yet he had the misfortune to lose boss and club legend Lee Bowyer to Birmingham early into his stint.
      But Nigel Adkins’ appointment seemed sensible. After all, this was a man who had taken Southampton from League One to the Premier League. He had the CV.
      However, the game doesn’t always work out the way you want it. Adkins struggled to get the team motoring, the fans didn’t like his style of football and Sandgaard wielded the axe.
      However, his decision to not stick with club legend and Bowyer’s former assistant Johnnie Jackson was a mistake. He had scrambled the team that were teetering on the brink of League Two safely clear of trouble and deserved a chance.
      Jackson knew the club inside out and what it took to get back into the Championship, having been Bowyer’s No2. 
      But Ben Garner’s appointment was naïve. I couldn’t understand how a big club like Charlton were bringing in a coach who couldn’t even get former Premier League side Swindon promoted out of League Two. So what made anyone think he could get Charlton up from League One?
      I’m not saying Garner won’t go on to become a half-decent manager – but he lacked a CV suitable for a club of Addicks’ size and standing. It was a job that came too early for him.
      His final appointment was Dean Holden, who ended up getting sacked by the new owners SE7 Partners.
      Michael Appleton came and went and Charlton are back to square one.
      A manager I know who would have been a perfect fit for Charlton was telling me he turned the job down when Appleton got it because the whole ownership structure was complicated. He felt there were too many voices above and that put him off.
      But right now there are a lot of despair coming from the Valley terraces and it’s time for people to start delivering for Charlton Athletic to get the club back on the up.
      Step forward Nathan Jones. No pressure.
      Racism at Hawthorns
      IT’S sickening to see that racism reared its ugly head this weekend in the EFL.
      Birmingham’s Juninho Bacuna claims he was subject to abuse at West Brom – the second time he has reported such an incident.
      While AFC Wimbledon’s Omar Bugiel says he also received racist abuse at Bradford.
      Fifa president Gianni Infantino wants teams who fans are guilty of racist abuse to forfeit the match in a bid to deter such behaviour.
      My only concern is that when you’re dealing with racist morons like this, do they actually care? If they are vile enough to spout such disgusting things, are they capable of comprehending the consequences of their actions on the majority of well-behaved fans?
      They are scum and a big blotch on our game. 
      Juninho Bacuna pointed out a fan who allegedly racially abused himCredit: Reuters
      Cooking up a storm
      DAVID WAGNER’S Norwich press conference was interrupted by some rowdy people at the back of the room at Carrow Road.
      When his media officer appealed for them to quieten down they were left red faced when it emerged that the two individuals were none other than Delia Smith and her husband Michael Wynn-Jones.
      The co-owners apologised before heading off to enjoy the rest of their evening.
      Reds Wine
      NEWPORT boss Graham Coughlan finally got his hands on the booze he loves – rather than the expensive bottle of red Erik Ten Hag presented him last week.
      The Manchester United boss kindly handed over some plonk picked out by Sir Alex Ferguson after the FA Cup tie at Rodney Parade.
      But there was one problem: Coughlan hates red wine.
      And after revealing he only drinks Budweiser, the American beer giants spotted a great PR opportunity and delivered a load of the amber stuff to the Irishman.
      But the Bud execs didn’t stop there… they sent out their trucks onto the streets of Newport to dish out beers at half price to fans ahead of their League Two clash with Swindon. 
      So there were plenty of sore heads in the Welsh city yesterday morning.
      The Man Utd manager handed him a £230 bottle of 2013 Antinori TignanelloCredit: Getty
      On the box
      ROLL on next season when the new EFL broadcasting deal with Sky Sports kicks in … because right now League One and Two fans are being short changed.
      Sky have been the league’s preferred broadcasting partner for many years and have just signed a lucrative new five-season deal.
      The income generated from this is vital to all 72 clubs… but what has been missing is more exposure of League One and Two spread across the season.
      This month and next, there is not a single game being televised from the bottom two rungs of the EFL.
      Look at some of the clubs that play in the third tier – there are EIGHT former Premier League clubs in that division alone.
      You’ve got the likes of Portsmouth, Bolton, Derby and Charlton just for starters.
      They have even snubbed what is a League One blockbuster when the top two, Pompey and Peterborough, clash on March 26.
      And on the same day, promotion chasers Bolton and Derby also go toe-to-toe. Those two games are no-brainers to be televised.
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      From next season, though, Sky Sports will be broadcasting a minimum of 248 League One and 248 League Two games across the next five years – and the Championship will have 328 games televised. 
      And for EFL fans the start of that deal cannot come soon enough.  More

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      Non-league match descends into chaos as fan pins down and PUNCHES steward and referee is hit with smoke bomb

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      SATURDAY’s Non-League match between Barnet and Wealdstone descended into chaos as a fan attacked a steward and smoke bombs were thrown onto the pitch.The hosts were on course to bag all three points courtesy of a 1-0 win before a 100th-minute equaliser from Corie Andrews.
      The Non-League match between Barnet and Wealdstone descended into a chaos after a 100th minute equaliserCredit: X
      A Wealdstone fan stormed the pitch and attacked a steward trying to stop pitch invadersCredit: X
      Wealdstone players quickly set about the lout as well as another fanCredit: X
      The joyous scenes in the away end, however, quickly turned sour as a minority of Wealdstone fans ran onto the pitch.
      And footage of the incident showed a steward being wrestled to the ground and PUNCHED by a fan after entering the field to stop pitch invaders.
      Wealdstone players, amid plumes of blue smoke, and another fan ran to the steward to break up the scuffle and remove the lout from the scene.
      The incident went viral on X and was widely condemned by footie fans, with one saying: “Disgusting.”
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      Another said: “Behaviour like this warrants a lifetime ban from football grounds and a prison sentence.”
      And another said: “Should not be allowed back in ANY football stadium ever again! Absolutely no time for this..”
      One remarked: “Absolutely disgraceful.”
      Another chimed in: “I hope that steward is paid a month’s money by the club.
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      Players from both sets of teams gave the thug a piece of their mind after his vile assaultCredit: X
      “He doesn’t get paid much money to be putting up with that.”
      The Barnet fan who originally shared the clip wrote: “Classy that from a Wealdstone fan.
      “Pinning down and punching the steward.”
      Another of the Barnet faithful said: “This is very bad. We don’t need this kind of attitude in our game.”
      Wealdstone issued a statement condemning the actions of the fans who stormed the pitch, whom they’ve vowed to punish.
      It read: “The Board of Directors at Wealdstone Football Club unequivocally condemn the actions of the individual who invaded the pitch during our National League fixture at Barnet FC yesterday, following our equalising goal and assaulted a match day steward.
      “Such behaviour is totally unacceptable and goes against the values that our club stands for.
      “We are committed to ensuring the safety and security of all participants, spectators and attendees at our games, which is why we will be working closely with Barnet Football Club and the Metropolitan Police to identify and take appropriate action against any supporters who entered the pitch and those directly involved in this incident.
      Referee Dale Staines was also hit with a smoke bomb which appeared to be thrown by Barnet fansCredit: X
      “All culprits identified will face the full consequences of their actions.
      “It is with deep regret that the reprehensible behaviour of a few has overshadowed what was a moment of celebration for our team and the vast majority of our supporters, who behaved impeccably and adhered to the ground regulations throughout the match.
      “We are very disappointed that the actions of these few individuals have cast a shadow over our club and our dedicated fans.
      “The club wishes to express its sincere apologies to the match day steward affected by this incident, and we will ensure they receive our full support.
      “We also want to thank the majority of our fans who continue to show their passionate support in a respectful and responsible manner.
      Wealdstone Football Club will not tolerate any form of misconduct that jeopardises the safety and enjoyment of football.
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      “We are dedicated to maintaining a family-friendly and safe environment for all fans and participants, reinforcing the positive and respectful image of our club and its supporters.
      The draw at the Hive was also marred by a flare – which appeared to be thrown from the home end – hitting ref Dale Staines and causing him to stumble. More

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      Former Premier League manager who stopped Man City winning quadruple takes charge of League One side

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      CHARLTON have confirmed the appointment of former Luton and Southampton boss Nathan Jones.The Addicks announced that they’ve hired the 50-year-old on a “long-term contract”.
      Nathan Jones managed Southampton last seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Charlton are already on their third manager of the season, having sacked Dean Holden and Michael Appleton.
      Upon joining the South Londoners, Jones said: “I am extremely excited by the challenge in front of me at Charlton.
      “It is a club that I have fond memories of from my time here and I want to play my part in moving the club forward.
      “I have been approached by a number of clubs to get back into management but I have been waiting for the right opportunity.
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      “From my conversations with the Board and given the long-term nature of the contract, I can see there is a real appetite to build something here which I am really looking forward to being a part of.”
      Jones managed Luton with great success across two spells between 2016 and 2022, with a short stint at Stoke in 2019.
      He guided the Hatters from League Two to the Championship before leaving for Southampton.
      The Welshman lasted just 14 games in charge of the Saints before being sacked.
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      Although he did mastermind a Carabao Cup victory over Manchester City, which ended up costing Pep Guardiola’s side the quadruple.
      On the appointment, Charlton chairman James Rodwell said: “We’re really pleased to appoint Nathan Jones.
      “He is a Manager of real pedigree who has a track record of building successful teams over a period of time.
      “We were really impressed with the quality of candidates interested in coming to Charlton. Through our initial research, the in-depth interview process and the references we took, Nathan was the clear stand out.
      “He is a great fit for Charlton given his ability to get his teams playing football on the front foot, with a passion and an intensity.
      “He is an excellent coach, who is tactically savvy and an outstanding developer of talent.
      “The ownership group has a long-term focus of bringing success to Charlton Athletic and Nathan will play a key role as we look to take this club to the next level.
      “Initially that will mean improving on our recent form and looking to finish the season as high up the League One table as possible.”
      The Addicks have endured a poor season and sit 19th in League One.
      They are just three points above the relegation zone, with 21st-placed Reading possessing a game in hand.
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      Jones worked as a development coach within Charlton’s academy during the 2012-13 season.
      His first game as boss will come in next week’s huge clash with Reading at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. More

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      Meet five sacked managers this season who have quickly returned to the game – but will they be a success?

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      I WAS watching that hilarious episode of hit TV comedy Alan Partridge this week where he had written his autobiography Bouncing Back.It charted a so-called comeback from his disastrous broadcasting career and break-up from his wife.
      Tony Mowbray is hoping to help Birmingham recover from their failed Wayne Rooney experiment
      That got me thinking about football managers who have been sacked but bounced back.
      And this season there have been five bosses who have been shown the door – but have quickly returned into management.
      Here I take a quick look at those managers who are bouncing back.
      MICHAEL BEALE (Sunderland)
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      Michael Beale was axed by Rangers and is now under pressure at Sunderland
      IF you’re managing Rangers, and Celtic are above you in the table, you’re always standing on quicksand and he was duly slung out of Ibrox.
      But the Londoner – who walked out on QPR last season just weeks after pledging his devoted loyalty to them – took over at the Black Cats in December.
      Like Alan Partridge, his story might be quickly pulped if he loses his job at the Stadium of Light.
      Mackems fans were not impressed with the three straight defeats which was halted by Saturday’s vital 3-1 win against Stoke.
      TONY MOWBRAY (Birmingham)
      Talking of Sunderland, what the hell were they playing at in the first place by sacking Tony Mowbray?
      This affable man was doing a superb job for the Black Cats, getting them into the play-offs last season against the odds and had them punching around those spots again this time around.
      But he has landed himself into the self-inflicted chaos at St Andrew’s after they decided the Wayne Rooney project was not a good idea after all. No s**t Sherlock, John Eustace had them flying.
      Mowbray has won one and drawn the other of his two league games so far with his priority simply to just keep Birmingham up.  Groundhog Day for Blues fans.
      DARREN MOORE (Huddersfield)
      Darren Moore was axed on the eve of the season by Wednesday
      MADCAP Sheffield Wednesday owner Dejphon Chansiri decided to get rid of the manager who inspired his team to promotion on the eve of the season.
      Darren Moore had even helped his side come back from 4-0 down against Peterborough in the play-offs semi-finals en route!
      The ex-West Brom boss took over at Huddersfield but is hardly bouncing back and is on dodgy ground, managing three wins from 23 games so far.
      MATT TAYLOR (Bristol Rovers)
      HAVING done a decent job with Exeter, he got a big Championship break by being named Paul Warne’s replacement at Rotherham last season.
      Despite keeping the Millers in the second tier, they struggled this time around and he was booted out of the New York Stadium in November with the club third bottom. 
      But he swiftly replaced gobby Joey Barton following his sacking and had an instant impact with four wins and a draw from his first six games. However, it’s been tough since and their 3-1 win over Oxford on Saturday halted a five-game losing streak.
      GRAHAM ALEXANDER (Bradford)
      THE Bantams boss has had some bad luck when it comes to losing his jobs at previous clubs.
      Scunthorpe decided to get rid of him after he led them to the brink of the Championship, they’re now in the National League North.
      Numbnut Gary Neville crazily dismissed the Burnley legend when they were unbeaten after five games and fifth in League Two … all this after taking Salford into the EFL and guiding them to an EFL Trophy final.
      And this season MK Dons wielded the axe after just 16 games – showing little patience.
      Yet he has arrived at Valley Parade and despite a decent start they have gone off the boil, failing to win in their last seven League Two games. They need to let him have a summer to sort it all out and go again next season. 
      Newport ‘builders’ work on a Sunday?
      THERE must have been some timely structural repairs going on in Rodney Road, Newport, this week.
      Some houses along the street which runs parallel to County’s Rodney Parade suddenly needed scaffolding erected.
      It’s incredible that those ‘builders’ not only were prepared to do overtime by working on a Sunday – but also stayed on site until a good couple of hours after 4:30pm.
      That’s what you call dedication. They must have great ratings on Checkatrade.
      Alfie, 10, gives Walsall team talk
      WALSALL boss Mat Sadler let 10-year-old fan Alfie Donnelly do his team-mate before their League Two game with Sutton.
      Alfie has multiple, complex heart conditions that have left him needing four lots of open heart surgery.
      The Saddlers invited the youngster to the training ground to meet and interview his favourite player Joe Riley as well as go to the Bescot Stadium to rile up the players before kick-off as well as read out the teams over the PA system.
      Boss Sadler said: “We all love Alfie. He’s always smiling and is an inspiration to us all.”
      Little Alfie Donnelly, 10, gives his Walsall heroes a team talk
      Elokobi is just what the EFL needs 
      SURELY any EFL club looking for a new manager should be on the blower to Maidstone United’s George Elokobi. 
      I suggested, tongue in cheek, that maybe even Liverpool should look at him!
      But, seriously, what he did before the FA Cup game against Ipswich at the gates of Portman Road on Saturday was incredible – giving the Maidstone fans a passionate from-the-heart motivational speech alongside the players.
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      This is exactly the sort of thing football needs. There are too many dullards working at bigger clubs who would stop this sort of raw passion being allowed to happen or seen.
      We need less of them and more of George Elokobi.  More

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

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      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.
      The referee for the Port Vale vs Portsmouth match had to run off the pitch to avoid a pitch invaderCredit: EFL IFollow via X formerly Twitter
      After entering the pitch, the invader began chasing after the refereeCredit: EFL IFollow via X formerly Twitter
      The ref was then forced to head towards the dugoutCredit: EFL IFollow via X formerly Twitter
      Staff from both teams stepped in to stop the fan from getting to the refereeCredit: EFL IFollow via X formerly Twitter
      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.
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      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.”
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      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.”
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      It’s not the first time Port Vale have seen fans enter the pitch in one of their games this season either.
      Their visit to Reading was abandoned earlier this month when Royals supporters protested the club’s ownership by carrying out a mass pitch invasion.
      The pitch invader was restrained by staff and stewards in the dugoutCredit: PA
      Craig Hicks waited on the sidelines while the issue was being resolvedCredit: PA More