A FOOTBALLER died in hospital this evening surrounded by his family after he was fatally wounded in a brawl at 2am.
Jordan Sinnott, 25, had been in intensive care after suffering a suspected fractured skull in the attack in Retford, Notts – which is now being treated as murder.
His club Alfreton Town FC confirmed the midfielder had died just before 7pm.
A statement said: “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.
“Rest easy Sinbad, we will never forget you.”
Matlock Town FC, where he was playing on loan, paid tribute to him as a “gladiator”, reminding fans he had scored a hat-trick in his last game for them.
The Derbyshire club said: “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.”
Tributes from friends and family have also been posted online.
Family friend Gaz Stokes said on Facebook: “Just cannot get my head around this.
“Devastated – a talented footballer and top lad. RIP my friend. You will be greatly missed. “Thoughts and prayers are with your family. Fly high with the angels Jordan.”
Police said Jordan was found unconscious in Retford’s Market Place at 2am today.
It came after a pub car park brawl nearby involving eight men and a woman at 11.25pm on Friday.
Nottinghamshire Police said: “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.”
A man aged 44 suffered a suspected broken jaw and a 27-year-old had his nose broken in the two “large scale disturbances.
A suspect aged 27 was arrested and was being quizzed today as detectives opened a murder probe.
National League North sides Matlock Town and Alfreton Town both cancelled their matches today at short notice “due to unforeseen and tragic circumstances.”
Jordan, who also played Huddersfield, was the son of Lee Sinnott who captained the Terriers and made 500 Football League appearances.
Jordan joined Altrincham in 2015 after leaving Huddersfield the same year, and had a prior loan spell at Bury.
He also played for Halifax and Chesterfield before joining Alfreton in 2018.
Alfreton chairman Wayne Bradley tweeted this evening: “No words can express my sadness.”
Huddersfield, where Jordan rose through the youth ranks, wrote online: “Everyone at #htafc is devastated to hear that former player Jordan Sinnott has passed away today.
“Our thoughts are with Jordan’s family, friends and everyone and his former and current clubs.
“A #htafc Academy graduate and proud Terrier, we will always remember him.”
Detective Inspector Justine Wilson said: “Mr Sinnott’s death is a sad and significant development in this investigation.
“Our thoughts remain with Mr Sinnott’s friends and family, who our specialist officers are continuing to support at this incredibly difficult time.
“Our investigative team’s focus will remain on identifying those responsible and bringing them to justice and, while we have made one arrest at an early stage of our enquiries, we are appealing to anyone who was in Retford town centre late last night and in the early hours of this morning to come forward.
“This incident happened at a very busy time and we believe there are still a number of witnesses who have still not yet come forward who may hold vital information about how a young man came to lose his life so tragically.”
