York City have thrown their support behind a player after police launched an investigation into allegations of a fan being punched on the pitch.
As we reported, Greater Manchester Police said this at the weekend: “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.”
It came amid the extraordinary end to the Rochdale vs York City match on Saturday. There were two pitch invasions as Rochdale scored and City equalised in the final minutes of added time, taking the National League title one way and then the other.
During the second pitch invasion after the final whistle, a video shared online appears to show a confrontation between a fan and a York player, who was on his knees at the final whistle.
As stewards attempted to separate the pair, the player got to his feet and appeared to punch the fan.
Tonight (Monday), York City named the player under investigation as midfielder Hiram Boateng.
“The ending to Saturday’s game at Rochdale has, understandably, been seen around the world and held up as an example of what is so special about our game,” the club’s statement began.
“The fans played a huge part in that, and for all those in the stadium, it was a unique emotional rollercoaster that will never be forgotten.
“Given that emotion and the stakes involved, we appreciate the enormous challenges that came with policing and securing a game of such obvious importance.
“In front of a passionate, sell-out crowd, those challenges became even more significant when the game concluded in the way that it did.
“The safety of players, staff, officials, and fans must always be the priority, and it is important to recognise all those in the stadium who worked to ensure that was the case.
“It will be important in the coming days for there to be a proper reflection and assessment of the circumstances around the end of the game, what happened and what can be learned. As a club, we are committed to assisting with any review, and we will support all our players and staff in contributing to this.
“YCFC will be supporting Hiram through all proceedings.”
