Chester FC fan took his own life after racism allegation at match against Warrington Town
An HGV driver who killed himself hours after police launched a probe into an alleged racist gesture made at a football match 'could not face the embarrassment' of a potential club ban or jail term, an inquest heard.
Keen Chester FC fan Andrew Paul Hewitt, 52, was found dead at his family home in Flint, North Wales, on 1 December, the day after he attended an away fixture at National League rivals Warrington Town.
Following the match, video emerged online of a 'small group' of Chester fans making gestures towards a Warrington player, a hearing at County Hall, Ruthin, was told on Wednesday, 23 April.
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, the inquest heard.
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 that 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'.
A note was found at Mr Hewitt's home in Palace Close which read: 'I f***** up. Sorry.'
A number of family members attended the brief hearing at County Hall where Mr Hewitt was described as a 'hard-working individual' who had followed Chester FC home and away for 40 years, and was in a long-term relationship with Hayley Williams.
Recording a conclusion of suicide, HM Coroner for North Wales John Gittins expressed his condolences as he told the family: '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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