A man has been arrested on suspicion of an assault on Chesterfield captain Ian Evatt during Sunday's League One playoff match at Preston, Lancashire Police have announced.
Evatt reported that he had been "punched, kicked and spat on" as supporters invaded the pitch at the final whistle of the semifinal second leg.
On Monday he called for the Football Association to act, and Lancashire Police have now made an arrest in relation to the matter.
A statement from the force read: "Police investigating an assault on a Chesterfield player have arrested a man.
"The 20-year-old from Preston was arrested this morning [Monday, May 11] on suspicion of Section 47 assault and is currently in custody.
"Police are continuing to investigate the alleged assault on Chesterfield player Ian Evatt which followed an otherwise largely peaceful incursion onto the pitch at the end of the Preston vs Chesterfield match at Deepdale on Sunday, May 10. The player was thankfully not seriously hurt.
"Officers are continuing to try and identify anyone involved in the assault. They would like to thank those who have provided information so far and appeal for anyone with information or who witnessed the incident to contact police on 101 quoting log number 0835 of May 10."
Preston booked their first trip to Wembley since 1994 on Sunday afternoon by defeating Chesterfield 4-0 on aggregate, and their supporters celebrated by rushing on to the turf at the final whistle.
But while Lilywhites players were mobbed and hoisted onto shoulders, Evatt, a former defender for Preston's bitter rivals Blackpool, has accused two supporters of throwing punches at him as he exited the field.
Evatt has provided Lancashire Police with a statement detailing his account of events, and posted a series of messages on his Twitter account on Sunday reading: "To be attacked on a football pitch and fear for your safety is an absolute disgrace I was punched kicked and spat on several times #disgrace."
He then added: "Sky sported (sic) have given clear video footage to police and I hope those responsible are locked up !!"
Evatt was constantly jeered throughout the second leg at Deepdale due to his previous allegiance with Blackpool, for whom he played over 200 times and featured under the management of current North End boss Simon Grayson.
The 33-year-old later told BBC Radio 5Live that more needs to be done to prevent pitch invasions and protect players' safety.
"It's well reported I'm an ex-Blackpool player," he said. "After the final whistle the Preston fans invaded the pitch. I was gathered around by a couple of hundred fans at least, shouting abuse, spitting, I got hit and kicked a couple of times.
"[It was] more than pushing and shoving. I've reported it to the police, and Sky Sports have given the police the footage of the two guys who threw the punches.
"To be honest, it's so disappointing. How long will this go on for until there's a real serious incident? It's too easy for fans nowadays to invade football pitches. Something needs to be done about it. The more it goes on, the more likely there will be a serious offence and a serious injury to a player."
As the contest neared its conclusion, there were several announcements for Preston supporters to get back behind the advertising hoardings.
However, they were not heeded and a cluster of fans even came on to the pitch when Jermaine Beckford scored an incredible lob from the halfway line with three minutes remaining.
Chesterfield assistant Leam Richardson also condemned the alleged scenes and insisted Evatt's ties to Blackpool were no excuse for what occurred.
"I think it's a disgrace personally," said Richardson. "The game's played in a great manner and Preston have had a really positive result as a club.
"The rivalry, you can't underestimate that, but to lay hands on people as supporters and men is a disgrace. Ian's fine.
"He did not react, categorically not. He never reacted. He was surrounded by a few thousand but he's conducted himself very well.
"He's an emotional kid anyway, Ian, and he's disappointed with the outcome of the two legs. And you are disappointed with the outcome of one or two individuals."
Chesterfield also confirmed that Evatt had provided Lancashire Police with a statement following the game, while Preston had no comment.
It is not the first time that a pitch invasion at Deepdale has sparked fears over safety after last year's Capital One Cup clash against neighbours Blackpool was marred by ugly scenes at full-time.
Video footage showed a steward had been trampled on by a police horse as attempts were made to restrain the crowd, and then-Seasiders boss Paul Ince claimed he hoped it did not take someone getting "stabbed" to make the authorities take further steps to prevent fans from coming on to the turf.