Football Apr 29, 2026

Police investigate video that appears to show York player punch a fan during match

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Police investigate video that appears to show York player punch a fan during match

Police will investigate a video which seems to show a York player punching a fan after the Minstermen clinched promotion back to the Football League for the first time in a decade on Saturday.

An extraordinary conclusion unfolded at Rochdale, where York claimed a 1-1 draw that was enough to secure top spot in the National League thanks to Josh Stones' goal in the 13th minute of stoppage-time.

However, during the second of two pitch invasions - Rochdale fans had earlier stormed onto the pitch after Emmanuel Dieseruvwe had put them ahead - a recording circulating online appears to show a confrontation between a fan 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."

A total of 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 first pitch invasion followed Rochdale's opener in the 96th minute, with the club needing victory to top the table and gain automatic promotion. The second invasion came after York's dramatic equaliser in the 113th minute.

Your Site News has contacted both 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 and had Rochdale held on, they would have guaranteed a place in League Two next season.

However, Stones' dramatic equaliser means Dale will have to focus on the play-offs, with York now looking towards being back in the EFL next season for the first time since 2016.

"I think it was written in the stars," York manager Stuart Maynard said on York's X account. "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 me and [assistant] Joao [Alves] 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."

York's celebrations went on long into the night, with Ollie Banks revealing he did not go to bed until 6am on Sunday morning.

"An unbelievable day and an unbelievable night," he told talkSPORT with a smile.

Tags:

football news

Share this article

Related Posts

EFL final day: Bromley seal League Two title; Harrogate, Barrow drop into non-league & League One play-off drama

EFL final day: Bromley seal League Two title; Harrogate, Barrow drop into non-league & League One play-off drama

Aberdeen exploring deal for Hibs' BoyleLatest from Your Site News' Anthony Joseph:Aberdeen are exploring a deal for Hibernian forward Martin Boyle.&nb...

Ipswich promoted! CONTROVERSY as Hull knock Wrexham out of sixth - Championship highlights

Ipswich promoted! CONTROVERSY as Hull knock Wrexham out of sixth - Championship highlights

Aberdeen exploring deal for Hibs' BoyleLatest from Your Site News' Anthony Joseph:Aberdeen are exploring a deal for Hibernian forward Martin Boyle.&nb...

Wolves 1-1 Sunderland: Dan Ballard sent off for pulling Tolu Arokodare’s hair as Black Cats can only draw at Molineux

Wolves 1-1 Sunderland: Dan Ballard sent off for pulling Tolu Arokodare’s hair as Black Cats can only draw at Molineux

Wolves and Sunderland played out a 1-1 draw at Molineux as Dan Ballard was sent off for pulling the hair of Tolu Arokodare.When Nordi Mukiele headed S...

Arsenal 3-0 Fulham: Viktor Gyokeres and Bukayo Saka on target as Gunners go six points clear of Man City

Arsenal 3-0 Fulham: Viktor Gyokeres and Bukayo Saka on target as Gunners go six points clear of Man City

Arsenal moved six points clear of Manchester City and boosted their goal difference with a dominant 3-0 win over Fulham.The Gunners scored all three g...

Wrexham 2-2 Middlesbrough: Red Dragons miss out on top six as Boro also condemned to play-offs

Wrexham 2-2 Middlesbrough: Red Dragons miss out on top six as Boro also condemned to play-offs

Wrexham's hopes of a historic fourth consecutive promotion were ended with a 2-2 Sky Bet Championship draw against Middlesbrough at the SToK Cae Ras.H...

Newcastle 3-1 Brighton: Will Osula, Dan Burn and Harvey Barnes score as Eddie Howe's side end five-match losing streak

Newcastle 3-1 Brighton: Will Osula, Dan Burn and Harvey Barnes score as Eddie Howe's side end five-match losing streak

Newcastle United ended a dismal run of five straight defeats with a 3-1 win over a Europe-chasing Brighton at St James' Park. Will Osula scored Newcas...