Two men have been charged with killing former Huddersfield football star, Jordan Sinnott, who died from a fractured skull after being assaulted in Retford, Nottinghamshire.
The English midfielder, 25, who is on loan at Matlock Town from Alfreton Town, was found unconscious at around 2 am on Saturday morning after two mass brawls erupted in Nottinghamshire the night before he was due to play in a match.
Sinnott was discovered unconscious with a suspected fractured skull. He received treatment at the scene and was rushed to a hospital where he later died surrounded by his friends and family.
Two other men were also injured during the incidents. A 27-year-old man sustained a suspected broken nose while a 44-year-old man suffered a suspected broken jaw.
Cameron Matthews, 21, and Kai Denovan, 22, both from Retford, have been charged with manslaughter, affray and common assault. A third man, 21-year-old Sean Nicholson, from Retford, has been charged with affray. All three men are due to appear at Mansfield Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
Nottinghamshire Police launched a murder investigation after the 25-year-old footballer died in hospital shortly before 6pm on Saturday.
He had been due to take to the pitch on Saturday, with his team postponing their match following the news.
His parent club, Alfreton Town, said that Sinnott – affectionately known as Sinbad – passed away surrounded by his friends and family.
Sinnott was the son of former professional footballer Lee Sinnott, who played for Crystal Palace, Watford and Bradford City during his career.
Detective Inspector Justine Wilson, from Nottinghamshire Police, said the force were still looking for people who may have been directly involved in his death and urged anyone with any information to come forward.
She said: ‘Our thoughts remain with Mr. Sinnott’s friends and family, who our specialist officers are continuing to support.
‘The family would like to pass on their appreciation for the supportive messages they have received and ask for their privacy to be respected at this incredibly difficult time.
‘For the family’s sake, I ask anyone who witnessed these events to contact Nottinghamshire Police or call Crimestoppers anonymously with any information they may have.’
Matlock Town said on Saturday that their away game against Mickleover Sports had been postponed due to ‘tragic and unforeseen circumstances’.
In a tribute to Mr. Sinnott on twitter, the non-league club wrote: ‘You weren’t just a footballer, you were our friend and brother.
‘You gave us incredible memories and scored your first career hat-trick in your final game for the club. Rest easy Jordan, we love, miss and will never forget you.’
Mr. Sinnott joined the club from Alfreton Town, who also called off their Saturday fixture following the incident.
A statement from Alfreton Town following Mr. Sinnott’s death said the club are ‘saddened and heartbroken’.
It added: ‘Jordan was a model footballer and an exceptional talent during his time at the Impact Arena and had a close affinity with both the manager, assistant and the players he took the field with. Rest easy Sinbad, we will never forget you.’
