Bridlington Town Honours Player Who Died After Alleged Assault

Shirley Henry/ BBC A group of football players, seen from behind, walk in a line on to a green football pitch. They are dressed in red kit with a white t-shirt over the top with the word "Hitchy" printed on the back. — Bridlington Town players wore shirts paying tribute to James “Hitchy” Hitchcock

A football club held a minute’s applause for a former player who died following an alleged assault.

James Hitchcock, from Cottingham in East Yorkshire, was seriously injured on 15 December following a night out in York. He died in hospital three days later.

Bridlington Town FC paid tribute to goalkeeper Mr Hitchcock before their match against Grimsby Borough earlier.

Mckenzie Dicicco, 22, of Belgravia Gardens, Middlesbrough, has appeared in court charged with Mr Hitchcock’s murder.

Mr Hitchcock “always had a smile”, Bridlington Town’s vice-chairman has said

Family/British Transport Police A close-up of a young man with a broad smile on his face. He has short dark hair and a neatly trimmed beard. — Mr Hitchcock “always had a smile”, Bridlington Town’s vice-chairman has said

Mr Hitchcock, a married father-of-one, made more than 250 appearances for Bridlington Town, before moving to Barton Town FC at the start of the season.

Players wore shirts with his photo on the front and nickname “Hitchy” on the back.

A book of condolence has been opened and the club is planning a memorial to Mr Hitchcock.

Jon Tindall, the vice-chairman of Bridlington Town FC, said the club was “still in shock”.

Mr Tindall says the club is devastated by Mr Hitchcock’s death

A middle-aged man with fair hair and glasses stands in front of a building at Bridlington Town FC's ground. — Mr Tindall says the club is devastated by Mr Hitchcock’s death

“It’s raw for everybody. It’s horrible,” he added. “He was such a nice bloke. Always had a smile on his face.”

Mr Hitchcock’s favourite songs were played at the ground before the match, Mr Tindall said.

Mr Dicicco appeared at Leeds Crown Court on 20 December charged with murder and affray. He was remanded in custody until his next hearing on 5 February.

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