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‑winning match on Saturday. The footage, which has been circulating on social media, shows a confrontation that took place during the second of two pitch invasions at Rochdale's stadium, where York secured a 1‑1 draw that was enough to clinch the National League title and a return to the Football League after a ten‑year absence. The match itself was a roller‑coaster. Rochdale needed a win to keep their promotion hopes alive, while York only required a point to guarantee the top spot.
In the 96th minute of added time, Rochdale’s Emmanuel Dieseruvwe headed home, giving the home side a 1‑0 lead and sparking the first wave of fans storming onto the field in jubilation. The situation remained tense as the clock ticked on, and in the 113th minute—deep into stoppage time—York’s Josh Stones struck a dramatic equaliser, sending the game into a 1‑1 finish and securing the championship for York.
It was amid the chaos of the second pitch invasion that the alleged assault occurred. According to the video, a York player was on his knees at the final whistle when a fan approached him.
Stewards intervened, trying to separate the two, but the player rose to his feet and appears to deliver a punch to the supporter’s face. The clip is grainy, but the motion is clear enough to have prompted a formal response from Greater Manchester Police. In a statement, the police said, "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.
We will be further assessing the video and reviewing CCTV of the incident." The force added that they are treating the matter seriously and will consider any additional evidence that may emerge. The incident has already led to a number of arrests. Four Rochdale fans were taken into custody: one on suspicion of assault and pitch incursion, another on suspicion of a public order offence, and two more on suspicion of pitch incursion.
Additionally, a York supporter was arrested on suspicion of assault and is expected to be interviewed by police at a later date. Both clubs have been contacted for comment, with Sky Sports News reporting that they are awaiting responses.
York’s manager, Stuart Maynard, expressed his delight at the promotion on the club’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, saying, "I think it was written in the stars. 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." The celebrations in York continued long into the early hours of Sunday.
Midfielder Ollie Banks told talkSPORT that he did not go to bed until 6 a.m., describing the day as "unbelievable" and the night as "unbelievable" as well. Fans flooded the streets, and the city’s pubs were packed with supporters reveling in the achievement of returning to League Two for the first time since 2016. While York’s triumph will be remembered for its dramatic finish and the joy it brought to its supporters, the alleged assault has cast a shadow over the celebrations. Incidents of pitch invasions and confrontations between players and fans are relatively rare in English football, but they do occur, especially in high‑stakes matches where emotions run high.
The police investigation will likely involve a thorough review of all available video evidence, including the club’s own CCTV footage, to determine whether the player’s actions constitute a criminal offence. If charges are brought, the player could face sanctions ranging from fines to suspensions, depending on the outcome of any disciplinary proceedings by the Football Association and the National League. The clubs involved may also face additional penalties if the authorities deem that security measures were insufficient to prevent the pitch invasions. The incident also raises broader questions about crowd control and player safety in the modern game.
Both clubs will be expected to review their security protocols, especially regarding the management of pitch invasions, which can quickly turn chaotic and put both players and supporters at risk. The Football Association has previously issued guidance on handling such situations, emphasizing the need for swift and coordinated responses from stewards, police, and club officials. In the meantime, York City can focus on preparing for life back in the English Football League.
The promotion will bring increased revenue, higher-profile matches, and a chance to attract new talent. Meanwhile, Rochdale, despite the disappointment of missing out on automatic promotion, will still have a chance to compete in the play‑offs, aiming to secure a place in League Two through the knockout route.
As the investigation proceeds, fans and commentators alike will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds. The hope is that any wrongdoing will be addressed appropriately, allowing the sport to move forward while preserving the joy and excitement that football can bring to communities across the country.