Football fan took his own life after being shamed for racist gesture (2025)

A football fan took his own life after he made racist monkey gestures towards a black player at a local derby match, his inquest has heard.

Andrew Paul Hewitt, 52, was filmed making the gesture towards Warrington Town player Bohan Dixon after he celebrated his team's opening goal against Chester FC, and was reported to the police.

The inquest heard he then went home after reading comments on social media and hanged himself in Flint, North Wales on December 1.

Mr Hewitt, a lorry driver, left a note which read: 'I f***** up, sorry'.

The incident happened when Liverpool-born Dixon, 35, was celebrating his team's opening goal in front of 900 Chester fans on November 30 after Connor Woods had scored from the penalty spot.

Chester then equalised in the 85th minute to make it 1-1.

Warrington captain Josh Amis had been sent off for violent conduct at his side's Cal.Delivery Stadium.

The coroners court in Ruthin, North Wales, heard his outraged club shared the monkey gesture footage with police and it also sparked outrage after it was seen online.

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Cheshire Police had said they would be questioning Mr Hewitt over an 'racially aggravated public order offence'.

But hours after the game, the father-of-one was found dead at his home.

His brother Alan Hewitt told the inquest in a written statement: 'During the game a small group of Chester fans were seen making gestures towards a Warrington player.

'This was completely out of character for Andrew. He must have got caught up in the moment.'

Chester had said it was 'angry and dismayed at an alleged instance of racism'.

Mr Hewitt said his brother must have gone home, seem the video and the club's statement as well as the heated reaction online.

He added: 'He must have come to the conclusion that he either faced a lengthy ban from football or a custodial sentence.

'He could not face the embarrassment of either outcome.'

Mr Hewitt was pronounced home at 1.35am after he hung himself while home alone.

He had taken his son to the game but his partner Hayley Williams had taken the boy to spend the night with her mother.

North Wales coroner John Gittens recorded Mr Hewitt's death as suicide.

He said: 'My condolences to the family. It is a very sad loss in extremely, difficult circumstances.'

He added that Andrew was 'very much loved' and his death 'leaves a big hole' in his family's lives.

Chester FC had put out a statement after the monkey gesture video surfaced.

The club said: 'Racism has no place in sport or society, and anyone found to have displayed such behaviour will receive an indefinite ban from attending matches.'

Chester also condemned 'the actions of a minority who are unable to behave responsibly'.

But then in a shocking development, the club revealed 'it is with sadness Chester FC has been made aware of the tragic death of the individual involved' and 'the immediate thoughts of everyone at the club are with his family and friends.'

A Cheshire Police spokeswoman had told MailOnline: 'During the match between Warrington FC and Chester FC on Saturday, November 30 police were made aware of a racially aggravated public order offence.

'The suspect was identified and was due to be spoken to at a later date about the matter.

'Sadly, the man was reported to have died at an address in Flint on Sunday, December 1. There are no suspicious circumstances and a file will be prepared for the coroner.'

For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support