Port Vale fan pleads not guilty to storming pitch during Portsmouth FC match and threatening referee

A football fan accused of running on to the pitch and using threatening behaviour towards a referee has pleaded not guilty.
By Freddie Webb
Published 7th Mar 2024, 14:17 GMT
Updated 7th Mar 2024, 14:20 GMT
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Ted Piolunowicz, 63, allegedly stormed the field during Portsmouth FC's clash with Port Vale at Vale Park in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent. He is accused of confronting referee Craig Hicks during the match on January 27.

Referee Craig Hicks runs off the pitch after being chased by a Port Vale fan during the Sky Bet League One match at Vale Park, Stoke-on-Trent. Picture date: Saturday January 27. Picture: jess Horny/PA WireReferee Craig Hicks runs off the pitch after being chased by a Port Vale fan during the Sky Bet League One match at Vale Park, Stoke-on-Trent. Picture date: Saturday January 27. Picture: jess Horny/PA Wire
Referee Craig Hicks runs off the pitch after being chased by a Port Vale fan during the Sky Bet League One match at Vale Park, Stoke-on-Trent. Picture date: Saturday January 27. Picture: jess Horny/PA Wire

The official awarded a penalty for the Blues after Valiants midfielder Conor Grant was adjudged to have fouled Abu Kamara on the 85th minute. Colby Bishop converted the spot-kick three minutes later and Pompey went on to win 1-0.

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Piolunowicz was arrested and charged by Staffordshire Police with one count of going on to the playing area at a football match and one of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause fear of or provoke unlawful violence.

The 63-year-old, of Newshaw Walk in Stoke-on-Trent, appeared at North Staffordshire Justice Centre on Thursday to plead not guilty to both charges. He is next due to appear at the same court for a case management hearing on May 9 and is on bail, with one condition not to attend any football matches in the UK.

Related topics:Port ValePortsmouthPolice