Chester supporter dies in anguish as police investigate alleged racist gesture

People Also Read

Residents across Swansea gear up for new era in recycling with soft plastics at the doorstep

Ramsey refuses to quit as Cardiff faces relegation battle and unfinished business

Reform UK vows to end political consensus and revive Welsh industry

Cardiff to Surpass Ibiza with Record-Breaking 21°C Temperatures

An inquest revealed that an HGV driver took his own life after police began investigating an alleged racist gesture made at a football match, as he “could not face the embarrassment” of a possible club ban or jail term. Andrew Paul Hewitt, 52, a devoted Chester FC supporter, was found hanging at his family home in Flint on December 1, just hours after attending an away game against Warrington Town.

The hearing at County Hall in Ruthin heard that a video showing a “small group” of Chester fans making the gesture towards a Warrington player had surfaced online following the match.Chester FC confirmed that someone had been identified in connection with the video and that police were conducting an investigation.

Alan Hewitt, Andrew’s brother, described his sibling’s actions as “completely out of character” and said Andrew got “caught up in the moment.” Alan believed Andrew had read the club’s statement and online comments, fearing he might face a ban or imprisonment, and “could not face the embarrassment of either outcome.”

At the inquest, Andrew Hewitt was remembered as a “hard-working individual” who had supported Chester FC for 40 years, both home and away, and was in a long-term relationship with Hayley Williams. A note was found at his home in Palace Close, and several family members attended the hearing.

North Wales Coroner John Gittins ruled the death a suicide, offering condolences and acknowledging the profound loss, saying, “It is a very tragic loss in very extreme, difficult circumstances” and “the hole he has left is very difficult to fill in all of your lives.” The Samaritans can be contacted on 116123 or via email at jo@samaritans.org.