National League North side Chester FC have announced that an individual who was involved in an alleged racist incident during Saturday's National League North clash against Warrington Town has passed away.
On Saturday afternoon, a Chester supporter appeared to make racist gestures towards Warrington Town midfielder Bohan Dixon after one of his teammates had scored in the National League North fixture, according to the Warrington Guardian.
Footage of the incident was then circulated on social media.
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Chester acted swiftly to condemn the incident, saying in a statement they were "angry and dismayed" at an alleged instance of racism directed at a Warrington Town player. They also confirmed the video and photographic evidence would be shared with Cheshire Police.
The club added: "Racism has no place in sport or society, and anyone found to have displayed such behaviour will receive an indefinite ban from attending matches."
Chester went on to suggest that they would be investigating further incidents of unacceptable behaviour during the match that officials reported to the FA, including the use of pyrotechnics, and throwing objects.
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"It is extremely disappointing that we find ourselves again having to address the actions of a minority who are unable to behave responsibly," the club added.
Hours later, on Monday morning, Chester released a further statement.
It read: "It is with sadness Chester FC has been made aware of the tragic death of the individual involved. We have disabled comments out of respect and the immediate thoughts of everyone at the club are with his family and friends."
The deceased fan's cause of death has not been confirmed.
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A Cheshire Police spokeswoman confirmed the news, adding that the matter had been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) in line with standard procedure.
"During the match between Warrington FC and Chester FC on Saturday, November 30 police were made aware of a racially aggravated public order offence," she told MailOnline.
"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. There are no suspicious circumstances and a file will be prepared for the coroner."
Topics: Non-League
Jack Kenmare