Non-league footballer Jordan Sinnott has died in hospital after being assaulted in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Sinnott, who was on loan at Matlock Town from Alfreton Town, was found unconscious with a suspected fractured skull at about 2am on Saturday morning in Retford, Nottinghamshire.
Officers initially responded to reports of up to eight men and women being involved in a disturbance in the Dominie Cross pub car park in Grove Street shortly after 11.25pm on Friday.
Sinnott was taken to hospital where he tragically passed away on Saturday evening.
A 27-year-old man sustained a suspected broken nose during the incident, while a 44-year-old man suffered a suspected broken jaw.
Officers said a 27-year-old man who was arrested shortly after the incident remains in custody.
In a statement, an Alfreton Town spokesman said: “Alfreton Town would like to release the following statement following on from the incident reported to Nottinghamshire Police overnight.
“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.
“The club would ask for privacy to be respected to all at the Reds and to Jordan’s family and friends during this delicate time.
“Rest easy Sinbad, we will never forget you.”
Sinnott, who was a midfielder, came through the ranks at Huddersfield, making two league appearances before going on to play for Bury, Halifax Town and Chesterfield.
He joined Alfreton Town in 2018 and was loaned to Matlock Town last summer.
On Twitter, Matlock Town 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.”
In a statement issued before Mr Sinnott’s death, Detective Inspector Justine Wilson said inquiries into the incident are continuing.
She added: “This incident happened at a very busy time and we believe there are still a number of witnesses who have not come forward.”
Matlock Town had earlier tweeted that their Saturday away game against Mickleover Sports had been postponed due to “tragic and unforeseen circumstances”.
Mr Sinnott joined the club last August on loan from Alfreton Town, who also called off their Saturday fixture following the incident.
