A football club is in mourning after their goalkeeper died days after an alleged assault on a night out. Barton Town goalkeeper James Hitchcock was allegedly attacked at a railway station last Sunday night.
The devoted husband and father of one succumbed to his injuries in hospital on Wednesday. British Transport Police say they arrested and charged a 22-year-old with murder and affray following the incident at around 8.45pm.
Mckenzie Dicicco, from Stockton-on-Tees, is set to face York Magistrates’ Court, reports the Mirror.
The club issued an emotional statement on Thursday morning, saying: “Barton Town FC are devastated to announce that following a serious head injury, our First Team goalkeeper James Hitchcock has passed away peacefully in hospital.
“Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, April, their young son, Freddie, his parents, family and friends.”
Mark Gregory, Barton Town chairman, expressed profound sorrow. He said: “The news of James’s death has been hard to take in. It’s horrible. James was a popular member of the club. We are all devastated. We are a very close-knit club.”
Anthony Bowsley, Hitchcock’s manager and former teammate at Briglington Town, joined in the tributes praising the much-loved figure.
He said: “James was a lovely kid. Just a genuine, all round good guy. He is irreplaceable both as a friend and a player.”
As a sign of respect, Barton Town has cancelled all matches that were scheduled for this weekend following the tragic news about Hitchcock.
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