After the 1-0 reverse left the Stags' survival hopes hanging by a thread, irate supporters tried to burst into the directors area at Field Mill.

First reports said two succeeded in getting into the boardroom and one tried to punch Haslam, while another kicked him, before they fled the stadium. He received minor head injuries.

On Sunday morning Chad was told that there may have been as many as three fans involved - and that they had kicked through a locked door to get into the boardroom.

It is thought that the owner may have known his attackers - with Stags chief executive Stephen Booth saying he recognised those involved.

Police are still investigating the incident at the end of the crucial match in front of more than 5,000 fans - the club's biggest league attendance of the season.

And on Sunday afternoon they confirmed that a 'local man' aged 45 was arrested at 5am on Sunday on suspicion of assault and is being questioned at Mansfield Police Station.

The spokesman added: "Police received a call shortly before 5pm on Saturday that police were required in the boardroom at Field Mill, where the owner Keith Haslam had been the victim of an assault.

"He received minor head injuries and was treated at King's Mill Hospital."

On Monday morning detectives revealed that the man had been released on police bail in connection with the assault late on Sunday afternoon and that their investigations are continuing. The 45-year-old has to return to Mansfield Police Station on 3rd June.

A spokesman added: "Police continue to investigate the outbreak of disorder at Field Mill just before 5pm on Saturday.

"Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any other information should contact Nottinghamshire Police on 01623 420999 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111."

Late on Sunday Haslam gave Chad his first reaction to the incident. Click here for report.

Police have not confirmed whether they are looking for anyone else in relation to the assault and whether they expect any arrests over the attempt by other fans to storm the boardroom.

Stags safety officer Les Norman told Chad on Sunday: "It is in the hands of the police and the club cannot comment further."

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Haslam was dazed after the attack and is suffering from an eye injury, Chad has been told. It is understood that on Saturday evening he was taken to King's Mill Hospital and discharged after receiving treatment. He was helped away from Field Mill by club officials and police.

An ambulance was called to the ground after the match, but that was to take one fan to hospital after he suffered a head injury during the pitch invasion by supporters at the final whistle. Some fans are reporting that the injured man was pushed to the ground by a steward, but Mr Norman said he was unaware of any complaints about the stewarding at the game.

A wall of police, using their batons, and stewards had tried to keep the fans away from the directors at the final whistle as passions ran high and supporters chanted 'Haslam Out', urging the unpopular owner to quit the club.

But two or three broke through and in front of shocked bar staff and Rotherham directors, struck out.

Chief executive Stephen Booth confirmed the assault to Chad and said: "We are all shocked. I saw it with my own eyes.

"How can you justify behaviour like that? The person who did it ran off, but I recognised him. The girls working in the boardroom are very distressed and upset.

"Keith is obviously very shaken by it all, as are the staff."

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At the final whistle a crescendo of noise had built up in the Upper West Stand as fans chanted Haslam Out and crowded around the directors area, throwing programmes and drinks cups.

It all followed the single-goal defeat to a freak Jamie Yates' 71st minute goal.

That means only two Chester City defeats in the next week and a Stags win at Dagenham next Saturday will save the club from relegation for the first time in their 77 years in the Football League.

Supporters blame Haslam's management of the club for its current predicament - and his failure to agree to a sale he first promised 18 months ago.

Former chairman James Derry - four times close a takeover this season - told Chad: "Keith (Haslam) did walk out of the ground rather and I spoke to him, so it doesn't look too bad.

"It is a very sad day for everyone, but you have to deplore any physical violence. Passions were running high, but that is no excuse."

It remains to be seen if the incident will alter the owner's position on selling the club. He insists he wants to leave the Stags and that talks would begin again once the club's League future was determined.

However, both Derry - still interested in a takeover - and Booth, brokering any sale, have agreed that Haslam's rental demands are too high.

But if the owner does want to sell for that deal - £175,000 rent in the Conference with a £4.5m option to buy Field Mill - then the equally controversial John Batchelor appears willing to meet the asking price.

On Saturday evening Chad contacted Sue Storey, from the Nottinghamshire County Council Safety Advisory Group, for their verdict on the match's safety issues and whether the Stags could face any repercussions.

Last season fans running onto the pitch and heavy handed stewards' reaction led to the capacity at Field Mill being cut.

After the final whistle against Rotherham some young supporters did run on the pitch, but there were no similiar scenes to last year - this time the problems were confined to the directors area in the West Stand.

But Sue, who was at the match, told Chad: "I cannot really comment on what happened in the directors area as that is the subject of a police investigation.

"We will await the outcome of their involvement and then see what action, if any, we need to take.

"But there will be no action taken against the club as a result of the pitch incursions.

"The stewards and police worked well together to handle a difficult situation. Credit to them.

"Despite requests young fans ran onto the pitch. It was inapporopriate to use force to stop them.

"The club was right not to allow the players back on for any celebration/lap of honour, as had been promised. The fans had been warned."

And Stags safety officer Les Norman added: "It was very disappointing that the players were not able to come out and show their appreciation to the fans.

"The club did everything it could to keep people off the pitch.

"It would have been very irresponsible to bring the players back out with so many people on the pitch."