Police have launched an investigation into a video that appears to capture a York City player delivering a punch to a spectator following the Minstermen's dramatic promotion‑clinching win on Saturday. The clip, which has been shared widely on social media, shows a tense moment that unfolded after York secured a place back in the Football League for the first time in ten years. The decisive match took place at Rochdale's Spotland Stadium, where York needed only a draw to finish top of the National League. The game was a roller‑coaster, with Rochdale taking the lead deep into stoppage time.

In the 96th minute, Emmanuel Dieseruvwe headed in a goal that seemed to seal the home side's fate and sparked the first wave of fans storming onto the pitch. The incursion forced officials to halt play temporarily while stewards tried to restore order. York, however, were not ready to concede defeat.

In the 113th minute—officially the 13th minute of added time—Josh Stones found the back of the net, sending the tie into a 1‑1 draw that was enough to guarantee York the league title and automatic promotion. The final whistle blew shortly after the equaliser, but the atmosphere remained charged. A second pitch invasion erupted as supporters from both clubs surged onto the field in celebration and frustration.

Amid the chaos, a recording that has since gone viral appears to show a York player kneeling on the grass as officials tried to separate him from a fan who had approached him. The player rises, and the footage suggests he throws a punch that connects with the supporter’s face.

The exact identity of the player has not been confirmed, and the video’s authenticity is still being examined. Greater Manchester Police issued a statement acknowledging the incident: "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 police said they are reviewing all available footage, including stadium CCTV, to determine whether a criminal offence occurred. In the aftermath of the match, 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 unlawful entry onto the playing surface. Additionally, a York supporter was arrested on suspicion of assault and is expected to be interviewed by police at a later date.

The dual invasions were directly linked to the late‑stage drama of the game. The first invasion followed Dieseruvwe’s late winner, which had raised hopes among the home crowd that a victory would secure automatic promotion.

The second surge onto the pitch occurred after Stones’ equaliser, a goal that not only salvaged a point for York but also clinched the league crown, sending their supporters into jubilant celebration. Sky Sports News has reached out to both clubs for comment, but as of now no official response has been released regarding the alleged assault.

York’s manager, Stuart Maynard, posted a celebratory message on the club’s X 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." He added that the squad has cultivated a mindset of resilience, noting, "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." York’s players and staff celebrated well into the early hours of Sunday. Midfielder Ollie Banks told talkSPORT that he did not go to bed until 6 a.m., describing the experience as "an unbelievable day and an unbelievable night." The promotion marks York’s return to the English Football League after a seven‑year absence, their last season in League Two having been in 2016. The incident has raised broader concerns about fan behaviour and player conduct during high‑emotion moments.

While pitch invasions are not uncommon in English football, they pose safety risks for both players and spectators. The police investigation will likely consider whether any criminal charges are warranted against the player, the fans involved, or both parties.

In the meantime, York will turn its focus to preparing for life in League Two, while Rochdale must regroup and aim for a place in the play‑offs. The club’s supporters, despite the unrest, will remember the night for the dramatic turnaround that secured promotion, even as the alleged assault casts a shadow over the celebrations. The outcome of the police inquiry will determine whether any disciplinary action will be taken by the clubs or the National League, and it may also influence future security measures at high‑stakes fixtures.

As the investigation proceeds, fans and officials alike await clarification on what exactly transpired in those final seconds of the match and whether justice will be served for any wrongdoing that may have occurred.