Police will investigate a video which seems to show a York City player punching a fan after the Minstermen clinched promotion back to the Football League on Saturday.
An extraordinary conclusion unfolded at Rochdale, where York claimed a 1-1 draw thanks to Josh Stones’ goal in the 13th minute of stoppage-time. The point was enough to secure top spot in the National League and a return to the EFL for the first time in a decade, leaving their hosts consigned to the playoffs.
During the second of two pitch invasions – Rochdale fans had earlier stormed on to the pitch after Emmanuel Dieseruvwe had put them ahead – a video circulating online appears to show a confrontation between a supporter and a York player, who was on his knees at the final whistle. As stewards attempted to separate the pair, the player got to his feet and appeared to punch the fan.
“We are aware of a video that is circulating of a possible assault involving a player and we have linked in with both clubs and the National League,” Greater Manchester Police said in a statement. “We will be further assessing the video and reviewing CCTV of the incident.”
Four Rochdale fans were arrested, one on suspicion of assault and pitch incursion, one on suspicion of a public order offence and two on suspicion of pitch incursion.
A York supporter was also arrested on suspicion of assault and police confirmed he would be interviewed at a later date. The Press Association has contacted Rochdale and York for comment.
York only needed to avoid defeat on Saturday but they fell behind when Dieseruvwe headed home in the fifth minute of injury time. Had Rochdale held on, they would have guaranteed themselves a place in League Two next season; instead they must try to win promotion through the six-team National League playoffs.
“I think it was written in the stars,” York manager Stuart Maynard said on the club’s X account after York regained the Football League status they lost in 2016. “The football gods were with us and we’re just buzzing to get over the line.”
“There’s a real belief within this group. The one thing we have installed at this football club is we show no disappointment, we keep going all the way. Until the end and until it’s over, it’s never over.”
The playoffs begin with two matches next week: Scunthorpe v Southend on Tuesday, and Boreham Wood v Forest Green on Wednesday. Rochdale will host the winner of Tuesday’s game in their semi-final, with Carlisle facing either Boreham Wood or Forest Green; both games take place on Sunday 3 May, with the final on 10 May.
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