A newspaper photographer was grabbed by the neck and sworn at as he tried to take photographs at a rugby match.

York Evening Press lensman Anthony Chappel-Ross was capturing on-pitch celebrations following a victory by York City Knights against the Hunslet Hawks, when a steward ordered him off the pitch.

When the photographer explained he had permission to take photographs he says he was manhandled by the steward.

Anthony also claims that when he asked the steward for his name he was sworn at again, and when he told him he would take his picture, the steward grabbed him by the neck.

His camera fell to the ground, disabling it temporarily, before he escaped.

Anthony said: "I just found it all really sad. I was surprised when he grabbed me.

"It just wasn't necessary at all. I was not a threat either to him or to the players."

The incident happened at the end of the match at South Leeds Stadium. A Hunslet spokeswoman told the paper that although it had permission to take photographs, it did not have specific permission to go on to the pitch.

The York Evening Press has said it will be making an official complaint to the governing Rugby Football League as well as the steward's employer, Controlled Space, and the Hunslet club.

Evening Press editor Kevin Booth said: "Anthony was going about his job recording the great celebrations at the final whistle. He posed no threat to security.

"He was allowed access to all other parts of the ground including the changing rooms after the game.

"What happened here was completely over the top and we will be writing a strong letter of complaint to the club, security company and the rugby league."

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