Football fan 'could not face' racism claim - inquest

A football fan who killed himself just hours after discovering he faced allegations of racism "could not face the embarrassment" of a potential ban or jail, an inquest has heard.

Andrew Paul Hewitt, 52, was found dead at his family home in Flint, Flintshire, on 1 December 2024.

It was the day after he attended a Chester FC match at National League rivals Warrington Town where he was alleged to have made a racist gesture.

A note was found at Mr Hewitt's home on Palace Close in which he sincerely apologised for his actions.

A conclusion of suicide was recorded at the inquest at County Hall in Ruthin.

Mr Hewitt, a HGV driver, was a keen Chester FC fan who had followed the team for more than 40 years.

But following the match on 30 November 2024, video emerged online of a "small group" of Chester fans making gestures towards a Warrington player, the inquest heard.

Chester FC released a statement in which it expressed its discontent with the video and later said an individual had been identified and police would take appropriate action.

In a statement, Mr Hewitt's brother Alan said the father-of-one's behaviour was "completely out of character".

He said: "Andrew got caught up in the moment."

He added his brother must have read the club statement, together with comments online and thought he would either face a lengthy ban or a custodial sentence, and "could not face the embarrassment of either outcome".

HM Coroner for North Wales John Gittins said: "It is a very tragic loss in very extreme, difficult circumstances.

"I can see this is a gentleman who is very much missed and the hole he has left is very difficult to fill in all of your lives."

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