Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has released a statement after a York City player appeared to punch a Rochdale fan.
York were dramatically promoted back to the EFL after a 103rd-minute equaliser, which saw them end a decade in non-league football.
Rochdale thought they had won it when Emmanuel Dieseruwe headed his side in front in the fifth minute of stoppage time.
A pitch invasion followed, with Rochdale fans flooding the pitch, including one appearing to clash with York’s Hiram Boateng.
The York City midfielder appeared to punch the Rochdale fan | X
The York midfielder then appeared to swing and punch the Rochdale fan after he was initially taken to the ground by the supporter.
Footage of the incident has been viewed by thousands online, as GMP released a statement.
It 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.”
Greater Manchester Police released statement following the incident
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It is unclear what happened before the short clip was posted on social media, and whether Boateng might have been acting in self-defence.
Five arrests were made at the game, including four male Rochdale fans and one male York fan.
GB News has contacted York City and Rochdale for comment.
Hiram Boateng was approached for comment but had not responded at the time of publication.
The unsavoury scenes cast a shadow over an incredible game of football, with the two sides entering the final day of the National League season having accumulated a combined 212 points.
York went up from the National League with a staggering 108 points | PA
The dramatic moment unfolded in the 103rd minute when a chaotic scramble ensued inside the Rochdale penalty area, with Josh Stones firing the ball goalwards.
A Rochdale defender threw himself into the path of the shot, making contact on the line, but the assistant referee’s flag went up to indicate the ball had crossed over.
Fans flooded the pitch as scenes of jubilation unfolded to mark the incredible moment.
York’s promotion ends a wilderness period that saw the club spend a full decade outside the Football League, with five of those seasons spent in the National League North, the sixth tier of English football.
Stones’ late equaliser was enough to send York up | PA
The Minstermen can now look forward to League Two football next season.
For Rochdale, the disappointment must be quickly set aside as they prepare for the playoffs.
Dale will host either Scunthorpe or Southend in a semi-final at the Crown Oil Arena a week on Sunday, as they seek an alternative route back to the Football League.
