Threats of violence to York City players lead to call for witnesses and fan restraint

Steve Watson has condemned the threats made to his York City players

The Minstermen lost the game 4-1, and afterwards two players were said to have been threatened with violence in the car park. York are asking for any witnesses to get in touch.

“We are disappointed to report that two York City players were threatened with physical violence outside the stadium after Tuesday night’s defeat to Hereford,” read a statement from the Conference North leaders.

“York City Football Club will not tolerate physical violence or threats.

“We are liaising with local police and we ask that any witnesses please contact the club directly.

“We pride ourselves on being a family-orientated and friendly club and believe that the individuals in question are not a true reflection of our supporter base.

“On a similar note we would also ask for restraint and respect in regards to social media posts.

“Please take a minute to think about the effects of what you are writing, especially in this current climate, where social media has proven to have such terrible consequences on people’s mental health.”

Manager Steve Watson says the players will try to use the incident as motivation at Alfreton on Saturday.

“These lads go out and do their best every day in training and in every match," he said. "Do they really deserve to be confronted outside the car park and threatened? Absolutely not.

“The thousands of York City fans, who support us week in week out, will no doubt feel the same way as we do about this.

“It’s really annoyed me but at the same time we are going to use it as a tool to drive forward and put all of that into Saturday’s game."

The defeat was only York's third in the league at Bootham Crescent this season.