A non-league football fan who allegedly made a racist monkey gesture has been found dead just one day after the accusation was made.
The Chester FC supporter, who remains unnamed, made the apparent gesture towards Warrington Town player Bohan Dixon during a National League North match on Saturday, in the sixth tier of English football.
The incident occurred at the Cal.Delivery Stadium as Warrington star Dixon celebrated his team’s opening goal in front of 900 travelling Chester fans.
Police were due to speak to the Chester supporter after video footage circulated on social media but on Sunday, the non-league club confirmed that the football fan had passed away.
‘It is with sadness Chester FC has been made aware of the tragic death of the individual involved,’ the club posted on social media.
‘We have disabled comments out of respect and the immediate thoughts of everyone at the club are with his family and friends.’
A spokesperson from Cheshire Constabulary said: ‘During the match between Warrington FC and Chester FC on Saturday 30 November police were made aware of a racially aggravated public order offence.
‘The suspect was identified and was due to be spoken to at a later date about the matter. Sadly, the man was reported to have died at an address in Flint on Sunday 1 December.
‘There are no suspicious circumstances and a file will be prepared for the coroner. The matter has been referred to the IOPC in line with standard procedure.’
Chester posted a statement on Saturday before news of the supporter’s death – saying they were ‘angry’ and ‘dismayed’ that the fan had made an alleged racist gesture – and stated that a probe from the FA would follow.
The initial statement read: ‘We were angry and dismayed at an alleged instance of racism directed at a Warrington Town player during [Saturday’s] National League North fixture.
‘We have acted swiftly to obtain video and photographic evidence of the incident and have identified the individual in question. The matter will now be subject to an FA investigation and this information will also be shared with Cheshire Police.
‘Chester FC condemns all forms of discrimination and abuse of any kind will not be tolerated. Racism has no place in sport or society, and anyone found to have displayed such behaviour will receive an indefinite ban from attending matches.
‘We are also investigating further incidents of unacceptable behaviour during the match that the officials have reported to the FA, including the use of pyrotechnics, and throwing objects.
‘It is extremely disappointing that we find ourselves again having to address the actions of a minority who are unable to behave responsibly.
‘The team appreciate the exceptional support received from the 900 Chester fans who attended the game, but the club now faces an FA investigation.
‘This behaviour puts the safety of players, officials, and supporters at risk, and costs the club in time, resources, and potential fines, and it must stop.
‘If anyone is aware of any incidents which took place during the fixture, please contact us via fans@chesterfc.com. Reports will remain confidential.’