Footballer Jordan Sinnott tragically dies at 25 after assault hours before match

Jordan Sinnott, son of former Bradford City player Lee Sinnott, has passed away after being assaulted on Friday night. He was on loan at Matlock Town from National League North side Alfreton Town and is believed to have suffered a fractured skull.

Sinnott came through the ranks at Huddersfield Town.

Keith Brown, CEO and secretary of Matlock Town confirmed the death of Sinnott.

He said: “We are very sorry to report that Jordan Sinnott has passed away just before 7pm this evening.

“His family and friends were with him at his bedside and we send our sincere condolences to them all at this very sad time.

“We understand from the Police that following a serious assault in Retford town centre yesterday evening Jordan was found unconscious with a suspected fractured skull.

“He was taken to hospital where he was treated for the injuries and put on a life support machine.

“The news that his condition was very serious and he was on a life support machine was received as players arrived for the game at Mickleover and after discussion with the Players, League and Mickleover it was agreed that the match should be postponed to a future date.

“All of the Matlock Town players and Officials returned to the Club House at Matlock.”

There had been earlier confusion when Halifax and Huddersfield posted tributes to the player and confirmed his death while he was still fighting for his life.

And Nottinghamshire Police moved fast to address the incorrect information at the time on social media.

A statement from them read: “Police investigating a serious assault in Retford town centre in the early hours of this morning have moved to address misleading reports circulating on social media and in the press that 25-year old Jordan Sinnott, a footballer with Matlock Town Football Club, had passed away following the incident.

“Nottinghamshire Police first attended the Dominie Cross public house in Grove Street, Retford following a report of a group of up to eight men and women having been involved in a disturbance in the pub car park just after 11.25pm on Friday 24 January.

“Officers were later called to assist ambulance crews who were attempting to treat Mr Sinnott after he was found unconscious with a suspected fractured skull following a subsequent incident at around 2am in the town’s Market Place. He remains in hospital where he is continuing to be treated for life-threatening injuries.

“A 27-year old man sustained a suspected broken nose during the incident, while a 44-year old man received a suspected broken jaw.

“A 27-year old man who was arrested shortly after the incident remains in police custody while detectives continue their enquiries into both incidents.”

Sinnott made his first-team debut for Huddersfield in the FA Cup against Leicester back in 2013.

The midfielder joined Altrincham in 2015 and also had spells with Halifax and Chesterfield and he joined Alfreton back in 2018.

Alfreton Town called off their home game with Gateshead around 90 minutes before kick-off as they received the news.

Shortly afterwards, nearby Matlock confirmed their local derby at Mickleover Sports in the Northern Premier Division was also postponed.

Alfreton released their own statement on the harrowing news.

It read: “We are saddened and heartbroken to report that Jordan passed away just before 7pm this evening.

“His family and friends were with him at his bedside and we send our sincere condolences to them all at this very sad time.

“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.”

Police are also looking for assistance in their investigation and have warned those using social media.

Detective Inspector Justine Wilson from Nottinghamshire Police said: “I would ask that the public are mindful of the impact that comments made on social media could have on both the families of those involved and on what remains a live criminal investigation into a very serious assault.

“The majority of people go to Nottinghamshire’s town centres for a safe and enjoyable night out and incidents like this involving such serious violence are, thankfully, rare.

“However, we must be clear that these sorts of assaults have absolutely no place in our county and that such behaviour – as in this case – can have potentially life-changing consequences for all those involved.

“Our detectives are continuing their enquiries to understand how three men came to sustain their injuries. This incident happened at a very busy time and we believe there are still a number of witnesses who have still not come forward.

“I would like to appeal directly to anyone who witnessed either incident to contact either Nottinghamshire Police or Crimestoppers with any information they may have.”

Anyone who witnessed either incident or believes they may have captured them on dashcam or mobile phone footage is asked to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 78 of 25 January 2020.

source: express.co.uk