Rochdale AFC of England attacker, Emmanuel Aghogho Oluwafemi Dieseruvwe has been cited in highlights of ugly incidents that erupted after his side settled for a 1-1 draw at home against York City in a regional league match.
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Sports247 reports that, despite a late goal by Dieseruvwe and a massive pitch invasion by their fans in a chaotic celebration of their assumed victory, Rochdale could not hold on to their lead and gave away a late equalisier.
Dieseruvwe and his teammates could only look on in agony, as York were dramatically promoted to English Football League Two with the draw at Crown Oil Arena, as the result saw them end two points clear of Rochdale to secure the sole automatic spot.
Before the final whistle, though, Rochdale appeared to have won the match when Dieseruvwe scored in the fifth minute of stoppage time, followed by a pitch invasion by his team’s supporters, which led to the match being halted for a while.
A video posted on social media showed a huge clash on the pitch, amidst which York midfielder, Hiram Boateng punched a Rochdale fan in an apparent retaliation after being pushed to the ground.
A security officer quickly intervened, after which Boateng remained on the pitch as the match eventually resumed after a six-minute delay, following which a thrilling climax ensued, as York equalised with the final move of the encounter.
Josh Stones was on hand to score following a goalmouth scramble, with the linesmen adjudging the ball had crossed the line despite a desperate attempted clearance by Rochdale defender, Tyler Smith.
York fans then had the last laugh, as their side were promoted on 108 points, while Rochdale (106 points) will participate in the play-offs semi-final against Southend or Scunthorpe next Sunday, despite finishing well ahead of both.
This marks a major setback for Dieseruvwe, who began his career with Sheffield Wednesday, after which he played for Chesterfield, Salford City and Tranmere Rovers, as well as loan spells at Hyde, Fleetwood Town and Mansfield Town.
The 31-year-old forward, who also previously starred on loan at Kidderminster Harriers, Boston United, Chester, Oldham Athletic, Grimsby Town and FC Halifax Town, played for England’s C-squad in a friendly versus Wales in March 2024, entering as a 61st minute substitute during his side’s 1-0 defeat.
He signed for Rochdale on July 4th, 2025, in a two-year deal with the English National League club, then scored twice on his debut against Boreham Wood and, after netting five goals in one month, he was named best player for August 2025.
