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The “Port Vale plane” that was rumoured to be ready to fly over the bet365 Stadium just as Stoke City were relegated from the Premier League has finally shown up… a week late.

The plane, trailing a banner proclaiming “We Stood There Laughing PVFC”, flew over the city this afternoon, circling both the bet365 Stadium and Vale Park, even though the Valiants finished their season a week ago and Stoke’s ends tomorrow 180 miles away in Swansea.

But instead of being humiliated by the stunt, most Stoke fans mocked their city rivals for taking a week to get it off the ground. Scores of them took to social media to have their say.

Elliot Hackney posted on Twitter: "Imagine hiring a plane to try and embarrass your local rivals a week late when no-one’s at the ground." While Dave Proudlove added: "They do realise the last game is tomorrow and it's in Swansea, don't they?"

And James Whittaker mocked: "I can see the Vale fans now - half of them will be high-sixing each other while the rest look on in wonder pointing at the metal beast in the sky."

It remains unclear just who is behind the stunt, but it apparently happened a week after Stoke's relegation was confirmed because the organisers could not be sure the Potters would lose to Crystal Palace.

Port Vale Supporters' Club chairman Mark Porter said: "I had no idea it was happening but haven't stopped getting messages since it was spotted.

"It's just a bit of fun, and personally I think it is better doing it this weekend than over a stadium full of people.

"I believe the plane has been all over the place, and circled the Stoke ground, so it has certainly been a talking point. I think a few people have been laughing about the plane.

"I am sure Stoke fans would have done the same to us. We got a lot of stick last year when we got relegated so if I were a Stoke fan, I wouldn't get wound up about this.

"Let's face it, both clubs have had a pretty rubbish season. This is just friendly local banter from the friendly local rivals."