York City achieved dramatic promotion to the Football League with a dramatic win over Rochdale on Saturday, but the post-match celebrations were marred by some unpleasant scenes.
Police say they are aware of the alleged incident (Image: Getty Images)
Police say they are “aware” of a video showing a York City player punching a fan after a dramatic promotion. York secured their place in League Two with a thrilling draw with promotion rivals Rochdale on Saturday.
Rochdale thought they had secured victory with Emmanuel Dieselbwe’s goal in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time. This led to fans rushing onto the pitch and a large-scale invasion of the pitch.
However, the game continued and York eventually snatched their only automatic promotion spot with Josh Stones’ equalizer 103 minutes into the game. York topped the table with 108 points, while Rochdale were second with 106 points.
However, in a dramatic scene, fans placed their hands on the players who were kneeling with their heads on the ground. Two stewards were eventually involved, but the player managed to escape and appears to have punched a supporter in the face.
read more: Rochdale vs York ends in dramatic scenes after pitch invasion and controversial goalread more: Rochdale vs York promotion prize money: How much will you get for reaching League Two?
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The video went viral on social media and Greater Manchester Police issued a statement. “We are aware of a video in circulation showing a possible assault involving a player and are working with both clubs and the National League. We will further evaluate the video and examine the surveillance footage of the incident,” the statement read.
It took six minutes for the home team to clear the pitch of their supporters before play was restarted. And Stuart Maynard, who was in charge of York at the time, actually helped rebuild the team and ultimately helped them score the equalizer.
“I think that helped,” Maynard said. “It’s a time for reflection.
Fans invade the pitch after both goals at Spotland (Image: Chris Nutton/Focus Images Ltd/Shutterstock)
“Twice in two weeks, I was clutching the trophy tightly in one hand and it was taken away from me for 60 seconds, and it was heartbreaking.
“But look, they’re a group of winners out there. They’re warriors. They keep going all the way to the end.
“I’m so proud of all of them. We told them we have to send the ball forward. They came in and we just said, let’s all come forward and stop the goalie.”
York City secure promotion with dramatic draw with Rochdale (Image: Getty Images)
“We have to take it forward and Callum Howe also said, big moments are coming, and they were.”
Rochdale have offered to support their three-up campaign in the National League and will now face the play-offs with a place in League Two on the line. They automatically qualify for the semi-finals and will face either Scunthorpe United or Southend United in an eliminator clash on Tuesday night.
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