Man, 24, arrested after video appearing to show Oli McBurnie confrontation

Oli McBurnie
Author: Selena JacksonPublished 11th May 2021

A 24-year-old man has been arrested following the circulation of a video on social media purporting to show footballer Oli McBurnie in an altercation with a man in the street.

North Yorkshire Police said the man was being questioned in connection with an assault in Knaresborough on Saturday which left a 21-year-old man with facial injuries.

Footage of the incident, which has been viewed more than a million times, shows a short confrontation and shouting, during which a mobile phone appears to be knocked out of someone's hand before it is stamped on.

A police spokeswoman said: "A 24-year-old man from Knaresborough has been arrested in connection with an incident, which involved another man being assaulted.

"The 21-year-old victim sustained facial injuries during the incident, which happened shortly before 8.30pm on Saturday May 8 on High Street in Knaresborough.

"The 24-year-old arrested man remains in custody at this time.''

Sheffield United - who signed 24-year-old Scotland striker McBurnie for £17.5 million in 2019 - said the club would help police with their inquiries and continue its own investigation.

The relegated Premier League club said in a statement: "Officials at Sheffield United are aware that police are now involved following the emergence of a video circulating on social media over the weekend and as a club we will do all we can to assist inquiries, as well as continue our own investigation.''

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