Ben Garner says Swindon players were ‘physically abusive’ following play-off defeat to Port Vale. Football news
Swindon head coach Ben Garner said his players were subjected to “physical and verbal abuse” by Port Vale supporters, who stormed the field after their play-off loss. home team at Vale Park.
Swindon won the first leg 2-1 at home but was beaten 1-0 by the hosts on Thursday night, with Port Vale eventually won 6-5 on penalties to advance to the League Two play-off final..
The decisive penalty was missed by Robins’ Ellis Iandolo, sending the home fans into the field as the visitors tried to make a hasty exit.
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Swindon head coach Ben Garner gives his thoughts after watching his side lose to Port Vale on penalties
However, a number of Swindon players appear to have been involved in confrontations with Port Vale supporters, and Garner has been furious with the treatment he says his team received.
Talking to Sports skyThe Swindon boss said: “The players were subjected to physical and verbal abuse. I know I’ve seen that in a number of other playoffs.
“I don’t know where we’re going as a country. It’s absolutely disgusting.”
Swindon right-back Mandela Egbo accused Port Vale fans of attacking him during the pitch invasion, later posting on Twitter: “How scared fans got two free shots and manage only one scratch?
“And I have to stay calm – if I react, am I the bad guy?”
Sky Sports News approached Port Vale for comment.
The alleged abuse comes just two days after Sheffield United captain Billy Sharp was stabbed in the head by a Nottingham Forest fan after his team’s play-off loss resulted in another pitch invasion.
On Thursday, a man was jailed for 24 weeks for the attack.
