AN Evening Press photographer was grabbed by the neck as he tried to take pictures of York City Knights title winning celebrations at Hunslet.

Anthony Chappel-Ross was manhandled by a steward as he captured on-pitch celebrations following the Knights' 24-22 victory against Hunslet Hawks.

The Evening Press said today it would be making an official complaint to the steward's employer, Controlled Space, the Hunslet club and the governing Rugby Football League following the incident, which was witnessed by hundreds of Knights' fans.

It happened as the hooter sounded at the end of the match at South Leeds Stadium and Mr Chappel-Ross went on to the pitch to capture the historic scenes.

The steward ordered him to get off the pitch, but Mr Chappel-Ross explained that he had permission to take pictures.

He said he was then sworn at by the steward.

Mr Chappel-Ross asked the steward for his name and said he was sworn at again. After warning he would take the steward's picture, Mr Chappel-Ross, 22, said he was grabbed by the neck.

His camera fell to the ground disabling it temporarily before he managed to escape.

Knights' fans who had witnessed the attack were outraged and stayed behind to quiz the steward about his actions.

The steward told Evening Press sports reporter Peter Martini that his instructions were not to allow anyone on the pitch.

But he refused to give his name or his position. He said that if his picture appeared in the newspaper he would sue.

Mr Chappel-Ross 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."

A Hunslet spokeswoman told Mr Martini that although the paper had permission to take pictures, it did not have specific permission to go on the pitch.

But several fans, including a Hunslet supporter, voiced their dismay at the incident on the Knights' official website message-board.

One said: "I watched the incident with the camera man at the end of the game and couldn't believe what was happening! He was only trying to take photos."

Another said: "I hope the photographer puts in an official complaint about him."

A third said: "To witness the cameraman being manhandled and his equipment damaged was an absolute disgrace."

Steve Johnson, managing director of Controlled Space, said he had no comment today.

Evening Press editor Kevin Booth said: "Anthony was just going about his job recording the great celebrations at the final whistle. He imposed 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."

Last week, the Evening Press reported how mascot Norris the Knight was banned from the pitch for safety reasons during the Hunslet clash.

Updated: 10:47 Monday, August 22, 2005