Police have launched an investigation into a video that appears to capture a York City player delivering a punch to a supporter following the Minstermen's dramatic promotion-clinching match on Saturday. The footage, which has been shared widely on social media, shows a confrontation that unfolded during the second of two pitch invasions at Rochdale's stadium.
The match itself was a nail‑biter. York needed only a draw to secure the National League title and automatic promotion back to the Football League after a ten‑year absence.
After a tense 96th‑minute goal by Rochdale’s Emmanuel Dieseruvwe gave the home side a 1‑0 lead, the visiting fans stormed onto the field in protest. The first invasion was quickly broken up, but the drama was far from over.
In the 113th minute, York’s Josh Stones scored a spectacular equaliser in stoppage time, sending the game into extra time and ultimately ensuring a 1‑1 final score that was enough for York to finish top of the table. The goal sparked a second wave of pitch‑invading supporters, this time from the Rochdale side, who rushed onto the grass in celebration.
It was amid this chaos that the video in question was recorded. The clip shows a York player on his knees at the final whistle, apparently engaged in a heated exchange with a fan. Stewards move in to separate the two, and as the player rises, he appears to swing his fist and strike the supporter. The exact identity of the player has not been confirmed, and the police have said they are reviewing the footage alongside additional CCTV footage from the stadium to determine what really happened.
Greater Manchester Police issued a statement acknowledging the video and confirming that they have been in contact with both clubs as well as the National League. "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," the force said. "We will be further assessing the video and reviewing CCTV of the incident." In the aftermath of the incident, four Rochdale fans were taken into custody. One individual faces suspicion of assault and pitch incursion, another is suspected of a public order offence, and two more are being investigated for pitch incursion.
Additionally, a York supporter was arrested on suspicion of assault and is expected to be interviewed by police at a later date. The events of the night have added a darker note to what was otherwise a historic triumph for York City. The club, which had been languishing in the National League for a decade, finally secured promotion to League Two after a season of consistent performances capped by Stones’ late heroics. York’s manager, Stuart Maynard, took to the club’s X (formerly Twitter) account to celebrate, writing, "I think it was written in the stars.
The football gods were with us and we're just buzzing to get over the line." Maynard also highlighted the mindset he and his assistant, Joao Alves, have tried to instil in the squad: "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." The celebrations continued long after the final whistle. Midfielder Ollie Banks admitted he stayed up until the early hours of Sunday, only going to bed around 6 a.m. He told talkSPORT, "An unbelievable day and an unbelievable night," reflecting the euphoria that swept through the team and its supporters.
While York fans revel in the achievement, the focus now shifts to the investigation. If the allegations are substantiated, the player involved could face disciplinary action from the club and the league, in addition to any legal consequences. The incident also raises broader concerns about crowd control and player safety during high‑tension moments, especially when multiple pitch invasions occur in quick succession. The National League has yet to release an official statement regarding potential sanctions, but it is expected to review the incident closely once the police complete their assessment.
Both clubs have been asked for comment, and Sky Sports News has reached out for further information. York’s promotion means the club will return to the English Football League for the first time since the 2015‑16 season. Their next challenge will be to consolidate their position in League Two and avoid a swift return to non‑league football. For now, the focus remains on celebrating the historic achievement while awaiting the outcome of the police inquiry into the alleged assault.