Four men have been charged over a reported incident after York City scored a dramatic equaliser to win the National League title
Four men have been charged in connection with an incident which was reported at the end of the Rochdale AFC v York City match on Saturday, April 25. Police were called following the game between both sides at the weekend.
Greater Manchester Police have confirmed on Monday that four men will appear before magistrates later this year following the alleged incident. Kiean Sultan, 18, of Thirlmere Drive, Middleton, has been charged with pitch encroachment and Section 4 of the Public Order Act.
Aaron Dawson, 31, of Smithies Street, Heywood, has been charged with two counts of Section 4B of the Public Order Act. Sam Manicolo, 18, of Hollins Drive, Middleton, has been charged with pitch encroachment. Thomas Coleman, 23, of Blenheim Street, Rochdale, has been charged with pitch encroachment.
READ MORE: Rochdale vs York ends in dramatic scenes after pitch invasions and controversial goalREAD MORE: Rochdale vs York promotion prize money: How much will they get for reaching League Two?
One man was initially arrested at the scene but later de-arrested. All four men have been bailed and are due to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates on August 18.
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Saturday’s match saw York score an incredible 103rd-minute equaliser to win the National League title. The Minstermen had one hand on the trophy heading into stoppage time at the Crown Oil Arena with a draw enough to seal promotion.
Yet with time running out, the match descended into pandemonium. Mani Dieseruvwe netted a superb header in the 96th minute for Rochdale, triggering jubilant scenes and a pitch invasion. A victory for Dale would see them promoted as champions, and they believed they’d found a crucial goal.
Veteran forward Ian Henderson came off the bench to deliver a moment of brilliance. The 40-year-old curled the ball into the far post with the outside of his foot, and Dieseruvwe rose highest to power a header past York City shot stopper Harrison Male.
Rochdale fans flooded onto the pitch to celebrate what they assumed would be the title. Following a five-minute delay, supporters were cleared from the pitch and play continued.
York then pushed players forward and scored an astonishing equaliser in the 103rd minute through Josh Stones, to clinch the title in sensational fashion.
Callum Howe’s header was cleared off the line before the ball fell to Stones at the far post. He forced the ball towards the goal, though there were doubts over whether it had actually crossed the line, with York players insistent they’d secured the winner.
The officials awarded the goal, and the travelling away fans surged onto the pitch. It lead to absolute bedlam as York players, staff and supporters celebrated frantically on the sidelines.
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