Chester investigate as individual involved in alleged racial abuse dies after game at Warrington

Chester FC say they are to investigate as an individual involved in the alleged racial abuse dies after the game at Warrington Town.

An investigation has been launched as Chester FC issue a statement on the alleged racist gestures at a Warrington Town player.

Chester had said that they have been left “angry and dismayed” by reports they received of alleged racial abuse which were made towards Warrington Town’s Bohan Dixon during Saturday afternoon’s National League North fixture, which had a crowd of 2,296, a club record for a regular league home fixture, with around 900 travelling Chester fans also in attendance.

A new statement has since come from the club, saying on Monday morning (2nd December): “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 Warrington Guardian report that the individual alleged to have made racist gestures towards Warrington Town’s Bohan Dixon during Saturday’s clash with Chester is believed to have passed away.

A number of social media users have since paid respect to the individual’s family and friends at this understandably tough time for them.

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. https://t.co/oS4ODwNjMc

— Chester FC (@ChesterFC) December 2, 2024

Look at the bloke above the ‘A’ on the capelli board pic.twitter.com/yE5tLyfhcb

— Chris Stevens (@ChrisSt04985558) December 1, 2024

A video surfaced online over the weekend, showing the incident as Warrington Town celebrated the opening goal. A number of objects and pyrotechnics were also thrown according to reports.

Chester FC initially posted a lengthy statement on Sunday evening (1st December), saying: “We were angry and dismayed at an alleged instance of racism directed at a Warrington Town player during yesterday’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 (Football Association) 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.”

The game played out to a 1-1 draw, with Calum McIntyre’s side earning a hard-fought point on the road as they stay in the National League North playoff places.

Connor Woods’ finish from the penalty spot was cancelled out by Harrison Burke’s late header, after Josh Amis had received a red card for an elbow on Connell Rawlinson.

The result leaves Chester sitting 7th in the league table with 32 points from 19 games played, while for Warrington, they are down in 18th with 21 points from 20 games played, and also three points above the drop zone.

Warrington Town team: Atherton, Gumbs, Douglas, Clarke, Hont, Harris, McCourt (Amis 66′ min), McDonald, Dixon, Woods (Rodwell-Grant 90′ min), Morris.

Warrington unused subs: O’Neill, Bennett, Miles.

Chester team: Harrison, Hunter, Rawlinson, Burke, Woodthorpe, Hugill (Hancox 84′ min), Roberts (Willoughby 80′ min), Weeks, Murray (Daly 58′ min), Caton, Peers (Mottley-Henry 66′ min).

Chester unused subs: Pollock.

Both managers spoke to their media teams after the game…