Port Vale Removes Supporter Over Alleged Homophobic Abuse

Port Vale confirmed the ejection of a home supporter for alleged homophobic abuse during Tuesday’s Bristol Street Motors Trophy match against Wrexham. The game, held at Vale Park, saw a crowd of 1,837 attend the fixture between League Two leaders Port Vale and League One promotion contenders Wrexham. This removal comes after a previous incident on 3 November, during Vale’s home FA Cup first-round tie against Barnsley, when the League Two club was compelled to take “swift action” against an individual due to allegations of racism. Subsequently, the club issued a statement reaffirming that any person found responsible for abusive conduct would face an indefinite ban. Following the recent match, which Vale secured on penalties after a 1-1 draw, the club has now conveyed its renewed “anger and disappointment in the strongest possible terms.” A club statement declared: “After making our position as clear as possible just days ago – and later introducing a guide aimed at combating this behaviour – we are also extremely frustrated to have to reiterate our zero-tolerance policy on abuse of any kind in these circumstances.” The statement continued: “This is a stance which is understood, embraced and supported by almost everyone who visits Vale Park, but one which has now been ignored on two recent and separate occasions by mindless individuals.” It further added: “Again, those found to have displayed abusive behaviour have no place at Port Vale and will – without exception – receive an indefinite ban from attending future matches. We are proud to be a welcoming, community club, where everyone should and can belong.” Under manager Darren Moore, Vale currently occupy the top position in League Two, having been relegated from League One in April.