Football isn't exactly a contact sport. The only contact that takes place is when players tackle other players. This all seemed to go out the window recently in two separate matches.
Greater Manchester Police will investigate a viral video that shows a York City player punching a pitch invader.
Amid the York celebrations, midfielder Hiram Boateng is on his knees after the final whistle. York secured promotion from the National League on Saturday, in one of the most dramatic final days of the season ever.
One fan and it's not clear if they are a Rochdale or York supporter, then appears to lay his hands on Boateng. Boateng wriggles free and then appears to punch the supporter. Boateng then unleashed a brutal single left hook.
The savage blow decked the fan, who stumbled backwards and collapsed to the pitch.with the video quickly going viral on social media.
Two stewards and two other fans coming from the direction of York’s away end jogged over to try and resolve the situation by pulling the bald fan away.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police told talkSPORT: "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."
A total of five arrests were made, which included four male Rochdale fans and one male York fan. Of the Rochdale fans, one was arrested on suspicion of assault and pitch incursion; one on suspicion of a public order offence and two on suspicion of pitch incursion.
Rochdale said in a statement: "Rochdale Football Club are aware of a video circulating on social media during Saturday’s game at the Crown Oil Arena. This is a police matter and the club will be making no further comment at this time."
The York City fan was arrested on suspicion of assault and will be interviewed at a later date.
Heading to Spain and Real Zaragoza goalkeeper, Esteban Andrada, is facing severe punishment for punching an opponent in a heated derby match with Huesca in Spain's second division - after he had already been sent off.
The Argentine received a second yellow card for pushing over a Huesca player in stoppage time at the end of a fiery relegation battle. He then sprinted towards Huesca captain, Jorge Pulido and punched him in the face.
That led to a mass brawl, resulting in Huesca keeper Dani Jimenez and Zaragoza's Dani Tasende also being dismissed.
Andrada later issued an apology, saying he "lost focus" and will accept any punishment that comes his way. Zaragoza also released a statement saying it "strongly condemns what happened" and will "take the appropriate disciplinary measures."
"We witnessed scenes unbecoming of this sport and which should never have occurred," the statement added.
"These events do not represent the values of Real Zaragoza or its fans, who throughout its history have been characterized by sportsmanship, courage, and respect for the opponent. We are role models and examples for many fans, especially children, who cheer us on at every match and aspire to one day become one of their idols. That is why these regrettable images should never have been seen."
Andrada, 35, who has four caps for Argentina, is on loan at Zaragoza from Mexican club, Monterrey.
"The truth is I'm very, very sorry for what happened," he said. "It's not a good image for the club, for the fans, and especially not for a professional like myself. So, I'm very sorry. Throughout my career, I've only had one red card, and that was for a handball outside the penalty area."
"I also want to apologize to Jorge Pulido because we are colleagues, and honestly, it was my fault, I lost focus at that moment, and well, I am here for whatever consequences the league may give me."
Huesca manager, Jose Luis, said after the game: "It's hard to explain. I think it's a complete loss of control. I can put myself in their shoes, given what was at stake and all. But it's unjustifiable. It's ugly. This was supposed to be a celebration of Aragonese football. I'd like people to talk about the match, even though it was ugly, with little play but a lot of hard work."
Oscar Sielva scored the only goal of the match as Huesca won 1-0. Both sides remain in the relegation zone with five games of the season remaining.
Zaragoza head coach David Navarro also apologised, adding: "There are lines we can't cross." Zaragoza have "strongly condemned what happened" and have signalled their intent to take disciplinary action against Andrada.
Their statement read: "We witnessed scenes unbecoming of this sport and which should never have occurred. These events do not represent the values of Real Zaragoza or its fans, who throughout its history have been characterized by sportsmanship, courage, and respect for the opponent."
"We are role models and examples for many fans, especially children, who cheer us on at every match and aspire to one day become one of their idols. That is why these regrettable images should never have been seen."
I'm on the fence when it comes to the York/Rochdale incident. On the one hand, the invader should've been prevented from being on the field and coming in and violating the personal space of the players. On the other hand, there were other ways to handle the situation. Violence isn't one of them.
The arrests made seem appropriate. I hope he gets a serious level of punishment.
In terms of Andrada, I was completely caught off guard. I never expected a goalkeeper to react in the way that he did. The situation was blown out of proportion. I would love to know what was going inside his head as he was doing what he did.
The brilliant thing is that Andrada immediately recognised the error of his ways and will accept the punishment he will receive.