Police have issued a statement after a video has gone viral on social media showing a York City player appearing to punch a fan during a chaotic National League final day clash against Rochdale
Police say they are aware of a video going viral on social media appearing to show a York City player punch a fan during the chaotic scenes of their 1-1 draw against Rochdale on Saturday.
York won promotion to the Football League in the most dramatic of circumstances. The Minstermen topped the table by two points heading into the final day away against second place Rochdale, needing a draw to seal a return to League Two for the first time in 10 years.
However, drama ensued in added time as Emmanuel Dieseruvwe scored for the hosts in the 95th minute to seemingly win the title for Rochdale, but Josh Stones equalised in the 13th minute of stoppage time to send York back to the top of the table and win the league.
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Both goals saw fans invade the pitch to celebrate, with Rochdale’s celebrations adding to the hugely increased injury time that in turn gave York the opportunity to break their hearts.
But following York’s goal there were incredibly unsavoury scenes when a fan ran onto the pitch from the stand and appeared to lay his hands on a York player who was on his knees.
The player then wriggled free as security intervened before he appeared to punch the supporter in the face, knocking him to the floor. The video then swiftly ends.
Following the incident, Greater Manchester Police released a statement, saying: “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.
“We will be further assessing the video and reviewing CCTV of the incident.”
Police said that four Rochdale fans were arrested following the incidents, with one on suspicion of assault and pitch incursion. One on suspicion of a public order offence, and two on suspicion of pitch incursion.
One male York fan was arrested on suspicion of assault with police adding the individual would be interviewed at a later date.
The incidents are also under investigation by the Football Association.
York won the league on 108 points, with Rochdale now having to go through the play-offs on 106 points.
Only two promotion places are available from the National League to League Two. There is an ongoing campaign to increase the number of promotion spots to three, with the top two winning automatic promotion.