National League leaders Rochdale were furious as they scored the winning goal in the closing stages against Sutton United.
Rochdale and Sutton United players clash
Anger erupted after the final whistle blew in the National League match between Rochdale and Sutton United, after the visitors came from behind to claim a vital three points in the title race. First-placed Dale and second-placed York City defeated Woking on Saturday afternoon, but the difference between them was just three points.
Rochdale needed to turn things around to ensure they maintained their lead over their title rivals. Sutton took the lead through Charlie Bell in the 78th minute, but league leaders Rochdale equalized through Devante Rodney in the 89th minute, before 41-year-old Ian Henderson scored in the 97th minute to maintain their lead.
There is only one automatic promotion spot in the National League, so every point is vital for both Rochdale and York at this stage of the season. The two teams are scheduled to play each other on the final day of the season, with the winner of that match potentially being crowned champion. Tensions boiled over after the final whistle following Dale’s dramatic late win.
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Footage shared on social media shows players from both teams clashing in the center of the pitch before staff from both teams lined up.
Rochdale and Sutton clash (Image: X)
Security personnel also entered the pitch to break up the brawl, and Sutton’s Hayden Muller was shown a second yellow card for his involvement in the brawl.
The 24-year-old could also face further disciplinary action if there is any breach in the referee’s match record.
Speaking to talkSPORT after the game, Rochdale manager Jim McNulty said of the brawl: “I think it was a real tear-jerker. It reminded me of something like 3am in the city center where you don’t really know how it started.”
“And you’re going to find it hard to stop because everyone is grabbing onto each other.
“And suddenly there are corpses on the floor beneath a swell of people trying to kill each other.”
When asked about the condition of his players, coach McNulty said: “There are some scratches and blemishes.” “It’s not a scar, but there are some scratches and bruises from being grabbed around the neck and other areas.
“We don’t know for sure at this point, but everyone seems to be OK.”
Rochdale and Sutton clash (Image: X)
Rochdale resume play on Good Friday, hosting relegation-threatened Morecambe, who are on the brink of relegation for the third time in four years and sit eight points adrift of safety.
McNulty’s side face Hartlepool United on Easter Monday, while title rivals York City travel to Boston United before hosting Altrincham.
It is a closely watched race for promotion to League Two, with Rochdale now on 98 points and Minstermen on 95 after their win against Sutton.
Realistically, both teams could finish with over 100 points, and one of them could miss out on promotion via the National League playoffs. There are only five games remaining, and it looks like the match will be decided.
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