Police have opened an investigation after a video emerged 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 incident unfolded at the final whistle of a high‑stakes encounter at Rochdale, where York secured a 1‑1 draw that was sufficient to guarantee them the top spot in the National League and a return to the Football League after a ten‑year absence. The match itself was a roller‑coaster.
Rochdale took the lead deep into stoppage time when Emmanuel Dieseruvwe headed in a goal in the 96th minute, sparking an immediate pitch invasion by a group of ecstatic Rochdale fans. The invaders swarmed the field, celebrating what they believed to be a decisive victory that would see them finish the season as champions. However, York's perseverance paid off when striker Josh Stones found the net in the 13th minute of added time, equalising and sending the game into extra time. His goal not only salvaged a point but also secured York's promotion, leaving the stadium in a state of chaotic jubilation and disappointment.
During the second wave of pitch‑invading fans—this one occurring after Stones' late equaliser—security personnel attempted to restore order. A video circulating online shows a York player on his knees as the final whistle blows, seemingly trying to calm the situation.
As stewards move in to separate him from a nearby supporter, the player rises and appears to throw a punch at the fan. The clip, though grainy, has prompted Greater Manchester Police to issue a statement confirming they are reviewing the footage alongside CCTV recordings and have contacted both clubs and the National League for further information. "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 police said. "We will be further assessing the video and reviewing CCTV of the incident." In the aftermath of the chaotic scenes, four Rochdale supporters were taken into custody.
One individual faced allegations of assault and unlawful pitch entry, another was suspected of a public‑order offence, and two more were detained on suspicion of pitch incursion. Additionally, a York fan was arrested on suspicion of assault and is scheduled to be interviewed by police at a later date.
The dual invasions were directly linked to the timing of the goals. The first invasion erupted after Dieseruvwe's late winner, while the second followed Stones' equaliser, which came in the 113th minute. Both moments triggered intense emotional responses from the respective fan bases, leading to a breakdown in stadium security protocols. Sky Sports News has reached out to representatives from both clubs for comment, but as of now no official statements have been released regarding the alleged assault.
The focus of the clubs, however, remains on the sporting outcome. York only needed to avoid defeat to secure promotion, but they fell behind in the dying moments of injury time. The dramatic turnaround, courtesy of Stones, not only clinched the league title for York but also forced Rochdale to settle for a play‑off spot instead of automatic promotion. York manager Stuart Maynard expressed his elation on the club's official X (formerly Twitter) account, 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." He added that the team has cultivated a mindset of resilience: "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 among York players and supporters continued well into the early hours of Sunday morning. Midfielder Ollie Banks admitted he did not retire to his bed until around 6 a.m., describing the experience as "an unbelievable day and an unbelievable night" during an interview with talkSPORT.
Beyond the immediate excitement, the incident raises broader questions about crowd control, player conduct, and the responsibilities of clubs to ensure safety during emotionally charged moments. Football authorities will likely review the events to determine whether additional measures are needed to prevent similar incidents in future high‑stakes fixtures. The investigation by Greater Manchester Police will also assess whether any criminal charges are warranted against the player captured in the video, as well as the fans involved in the pitch invasions. As the legal process unfolds, York City can look forward to preparing for their return to League Two, a milestone the club has not achieved since 2016.
Meanwhile, Rochdale will need to regroup and focus on the play‑offs, hoping to secure promotion through the remaining matches. The dramatic conclusion to the season, combined with the unsettling footage, ensures that this match will be remembered both for its sporting triumph and its controversy for years to come.