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Staffordshire Police release video of Vale Park fan vandalism

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Staffordshire Police have released a video of fans destroying toilets at Vale Park on Tuesday night in an effort to encourage witnesses to come forward (video courtesy of Staffordshire Police)

Staffordshire Police have released a video of fans destroying toilets at Vale Park on Tuesday and are appealing for witnesses as they continue to investigate the incident.

During Port Vale's 4-0 Checkatrade Trophy win over Stoke City U21s, windows were smashed and seats ripped up in what Detective Chief Inspector Rob Taylor called a "despicable disorder".

Police made 11 arrests on Tuesday with two men aged 61 and 34 charged with using threatening or abusive language, set to appear at North Staffordshire Justice Centre on December 18.

A 21-year-old man arrested on suspicion of assault was issued a community resolution, while six men were released under investigation pending further enquiries, and two other men released without charge.

Seats were ripped from the terraces during Tuesday night's game at Vale Park
Image: Seats were ripped from the terraces during Tuesday night's game at Vale Park

Stoke City and Port Vale share an intense rivalry, known as the Potteries derby.

Port Vale increased stewarding for Tuesday's game and 180 police officers were on duty in the first meeting of any kind between the two local rivals for 16 years.

However, Vale said that, despite rivalries between fans, relations with Stoke at club level have always been friendly and cooperative.

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Vale have launched an internal investigation, while Stoke have insisted they will seek banning orders for any fans involved.

A Stoke City spokesperson said on Wednesday: "The actions of a minority of the crowd at last night's Checkatrade Trophy game against Port Vale were deplorable.

"Where this behaviour involved so-called supporters of Stoke City, we will be working closely with Staffordshire Police and Port Vale to bring the culprits to justice.

"We will be pushing for anyone found guilty of disorder on the night to be handed a lengthy football banning order."

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