Port Vale have revealed they ejected a home fan at Tuesday’s Bristol Street Motors Trophy tie with Wrexham for alleged homophobic abuse.
The ejection follows an incident during Vale’s home FA Cup first-round tie against Barnsley on 3 November, after which the League Two club were forced to take “swift action” against an individual following allegations of racism.
The club then released a statement reiterating that anyone found guilty of abusive behaviour would be banned indefinitely.
Now, they have expressed their further “anger and disappointment in the strongest possible terms” following the tie, which Vale won on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
“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,” said a club statement.
“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.
“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.”
Vale sit top of League Two under boss Darren Moore following relegation from League One in April.