Fans urged to support charity after player death

A football club is urging fans to donate to a local charity in memory of its goalkeeper who died following an alleged assault while on a night out in York.

Married father-of-one James Hitchcock, from Cottingham in East Yorkshire, died from his injuries following an incident at York railway station earlier this month.

Barton Town FC's first team manager Anthony Bowsley said fans were being asked to support the One Punch Hull and East Yorkshire charity.

Fans were also offered free entry to Saturday's game against Eccleshill United as a mark of respect to the player.

Bowsley told the BBC everyone at the club was devastated by what happened, but had come together as "a football family" to support each other.

"James was certainly one of the most popular ones in the changing room and a friend to many people at the club," he said.

"He always had a big cheesy smile on his face."

Bowsley said Saturday's game was also an opportunity to celebrate the player's life, with fans from other clubs expected to attend the game.

"I don't think he would want us to be too downbeat," he said.

"It will be difficult, but hopefully we can put on a performance for him."

The One Punch Hull and East Yorkshire charity was set up by the parents of a man killed by a single punch to raise awareness of the dangers of such attacks.

Mckenzie Dicicco, 22, of Belgravia Gardens, Middlesbrough, appeared at Leeds Crown Court on 20 December charged with murder and affray.

He was remanded in custody until his next hearing on 5 February.

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