Reports this week have suggested a former professional player has orchestrated a provocative stunt in response to his former club’s relegation to League Two.
Allegedly, the player commissioned a plane to fly over Vale Park on Saturday, displaying a banner taunting Port Vale with lyrics from their local rivals, Stoke City’s, anthem and a reference to a rival hooligan firm.
The banner, emblazoned with the words “She stood there laughing – N40”, is said to have been a pointed dig at Port Vale following their recent demotion.
This audacious act implies that the player – Ryan Burge – and his disdain for the club runs deep, to the extent that he reportedly obtained a pilot’s license specifically for this purpose.
In a Facebook post, the 35-year-old expressed gratitude to Stoke City fans for funding the endeavor, detailing his exhilarating experience of piloting the aircraft over Vale Park. Despite a rocky takeoff, Burge described smooth sailing thereafter, accompanied by an instructor named Geoff.
Burge’s antipathy toward Port Vale dates back to his tenure with the club, marked by controversy and strained relations. Following a suspension in 2013 and subsequent departure, he has remained embroiled in disputes, alleging mistreatment and defamation by the club.
Port Vale, for their part, have refuted Burge’s claims, citing breach of conduct and unprofessional behavior during his time with the team.
[Image via Facebook / Ryan Burge]