Police Investigate Incident Involving York Player and Fan
York City secured the National League title with 108 points following their top-of-the-table match on Saturday. The club achieved promotion back to the Football League after a decade, thanks to Josh Stones' dramatic equaliser in the 13th minute of stoppage time during their 1-1 draw with Rochdale.
Following the match, a pitch invasion occurred during the celebrations. Video footage circulating online appears to show a fan placing his hands on a York City player who was celebrating on his knees with his head down. After intervention by two stewards, the player stood up, broke free, and then seemed to punch the fan in the face.
"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 stated. "We will be further assessing the video and reviewing CCTV of the incident."
Details of the Match and Subsequent Incidents
The pitch invasion was the second during the match. The first occurred after Rochdale, who required a win to claim the top spot and automatic promotion, scored in the 96th minute to take the lead.
Police reported that four Rochdale supporters were arrested following these events. The arrests included one individual on suspicion of assault and pitch incursion, one on suspicion of a public order offence, and two on suspicion of pitch incursion. Additionally, one male York City fan was arrested on suspicion of assault and is scheduled to be interviewed at a later date.
The Football Association is also investigating the incidents. has reached out to both York City and Rochdale for comment.
Context of the Match
York City and Rochdale entered the final day of the season having accumulated a combined total of 212 points. York needed to avoid defeat to secure their return to League Two after ten years away.
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