Fan charged over Port Vale referee incident

Play was briefly stopped after the fan ran on the Port Vale pitch

A man has been charged after a fan invaded the pitch and ran towards the referee during a football match.

Play was halted after the match official had to leave the field during Port Vale's home game against Portsmouth on Saturday.

Ted Piolunowicz, from Stoke-on-Trent, has been charged with going on to the playing area at a football match.

The 62-year-old is also charged with using threatening behaviour with intent to cause fear or violence.

Port Vale have condemned the incident, which came after the referee had awarded a late penalty to Portsmouth.

Staffordshire Police said Mr Piolunowicz had been given conditional police bail and would appear at North Staffordshire Justice Centre on 7 March.