Football fan found dead day after being accused of racist gesture towards player
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A Chester FC supporter has been found dead at an address in Flint, Wales, one day after being accused of making racist gestures toward a Warrington Town player during a National League North match.
The incident occurred during Saturday's derby match at the Cal.Delivery Stadium, where the fan allegedly directed racist monkey gestures at Warrington's Bohan Dixon following a goal.
Cheshire Police confirmed they had identified the suspect but had not yet spoken to him before his death on Sunday.
The incident took place when Dixon was celebrating his team's opening goal, scored by Connor Woods from the penalty spot in the 73rd minute.
A football fan has died a day after allegedly racially abusing a player
PA
Objects were also thrown onto the pitch during what Chester FC described as "ugly scenes" in front of 2,296 fans.
The club confirmed they would share video and photographic evidence with Cheshire Police following the incident.
Chester FC said they were also investigating "further incidents of unacceptable behaviour" including the use of pyrotechnics and throwing of objects during the match.
Chester FC initially released a statement saying they were "angry and dismayed at an alleged instance of racism" and emphasised that "racism has no place in sport or society".
The club stated that anyone found displaying such behaviour would "receive an indefinite ban from attending matches".
In a later update, Chester FC announced: "It is with sadness Chester FC has been made aware of the tragic death of the individual involved. We have disabled comments on social media out of respect and the immediate thoughts of everyone at the club are with his family and friends."
A Cheshire Police spokeswoman told reporters: "During the match between Warrington FC and Chester FC on Saturday, 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, December 1."
Cheshire police have released a statement after the death of a football fan
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Police confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances and that the matter had been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct "in line with standard procedure".
The match ended in a 1-1 draw after Harrison Burke equalised for Chester in the 85th minute, following Warrington captain Josh Amis's dismissal for violent conduct.
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The attendance of 2,296 was believed to be a Warrington record for a regular league fixture, with 900 Chester supporters making the 20-mile journey.
The result left Warrington in 18th place in the 24-team league, three points above the relegation zone, while Chester remained in seventh, within the play-off places.
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