Hiram Boateng Video Sparks Police Probe After York City Draw
hiram boateng is at the centre of a police investigation after a video appeared to show a York City player punching a fan on the pitch following Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Rochdale. Greater Manchester Police said it will examine the footage, which surfaced after York secured promotion back to the Football League.
Rochdale pitch invasions
York’s return to the EFL came after Josh Stones equalised in the 13th minute of stoppage time, sealing top spot in the National League and a return to the Football League for the first time in a decade. The match had already turned chaotic before that finish, with Rochdale fans storming on to the pitch after Emmanuel Dieseruvwe put the home side ahead.
The incident involving the York player happened during the second of two pitch invasions. A York supporter was arrested on suspicion of assault, and four Rochdale fans were arrested after the match.
Greater Manchester Police review
Police 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”. It added: “We will be further assessing the video and reviewing CCTV of the incident”.
That leaves the clip and any match-day footage at the centre of the next step. York’s promotion changed the club’s season in the final seconds, but the post-match disorder has now pulled the focus toward what happened on the pitch after the final whistle rather than the result itself.
Stuart Maynard on York
York manager Stuart Maynard said: “I think it was written in the stars” and added, “The football gods were with us and we’re just buzzing to get over the line.” He also said: “There’s a real belief within this group. The one thing we 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 lost Football League status in 2016, so Saturday’s draw closed a decade-long wait to get back. What comes next for the club now is as much about the police review as the promotion itself, with CCTV and the video set to be examined against the scene after the final whistle.
