The FA and Greater Manchester Police are investigating Saturday’s dramatic National League title decider at Rochdale after fans invaded the pitch and York City midfielder Hiram Boateng was caught on camera punching a supporter.
The winner-takes-all clash exploded in the fifth-minute of injury-time when Emmanuel Dieseruvwe headed what looked to be the goal that would see Rochdale automatically promoted to League Two at York’s expense.
Rochdale supporters poured onto the pitch at the Crown Oil Arena and the game was held up for six minutes as stewards tried to restore order and the stadium announcer urged them to return to the stands.
During the disturbance, video footage shows Boateng on the ground with a fan and steward stood over him before the 30-year-old former Crystal Palace player gets to his feet and knocks the supporter over with one punch.
The FA are looking into both incidents and GMP issued a statement confirming that they are studying the footage, saying: ‘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.’
Four Rochdale fans were arrested, one on suspicion of assault and pitch incursion, one on suspicion of a public order offence and two on suspicion of pitch incursion.
York City midfielder Hiram Boateng was seen striking out at a Rochdale fan amid a pitch invasion in an apparent retaliation after being pushed to the ground
York City equalised after the pitch invasion to beat rivals Rochdale to the title by two points
York City returned to the EFL after clinching promotion in dramatic fashion on Saturday
A York supporter was also arrested on suspicion of assault and police confirmed he would be interviewed at a later date.
Ironically, the delay gave York an opportunity to clear their heads and plan one last attack, with manager Stuart Maynard admitting it had helped his team.
Rochdale still had to hang on for another 65 seconds once the game restarted, but incredibly York snatched an equaliser through Josh Stones with practically the last kick of the season in the 103rd minute to go up as champions instead, leading to some of their fans running onto the pitch as well.
They finished the season on 108 points, two ahead of Rochdale who will now face Southend or Scunthorpe in a play-off semi-final on Sunday.
