Port Vale: The FA charge club for pitch invasion during home play-off semi-final

Swindon Town manager Ben Garner and his players were surrounded on the pitch following the penalty shootout defeat by Port Vale

Port Vale have been charged by the Football Association for failing to control their fans at the end of their League Two play-off semi-final win at home against Swindon Town on 19 May.

Fans invaded the pitch after the Valiants won on penalties at Vale Park.

Vale, who went on to win promotion back to League One, have been charged with a breach of FA rule E20, relating to the conduct of supporters.

In June, three men were arrested following the violence.

Later that month police were working on tracing 15 people as part of the investigation into incidents thought to have happened before, during and after the match.

In a statement, the FA said their case will go on to be heard by an independent regulatory commission.

Earlier this week, it was announced that pitch invaders at Premier League and English Football League matches will receive an automatic club ban under new measures to tackle fan behaviour.

The pitch incursion at Vale Park was among a number of incidents late last season that raised concerns about safety at grounds.

Vale sign Walsall's Rory Holden

Vale boss Darrell Clarke has made their seventh and final pre-season by bringing in former Northern Ireland Under-21 midfielder Rory Holden on an undisclosed-length deal from his former club Walsall.

"I know all about Rory's qualities," said Vale boss Darrell Clarke. "What he's like as a lad and a player. He was one of my best players at Walsall.

"He has had an awful time with injuries but we've done a thorough medical and he's gone through an unbelievable training regime to get him where he needs to be."

Holden, 24, began his career at home-town club Derry City before joining Bristol City in 2017.

He was loaned out to Barrow and Rochdale before joining Walsall, initially on loan, in July 2019.