Chester FC have confirmed that no further action will be taken against the club and its assistant manager following an FA and police investigation.
Colin Woodthorpe was investigated following his alleged behaviour after the club’s National League North game against AFC Fylde in August.
The match took place at Chester’s Deva Stadium, with the visitors running out 1-0 winners in a fiery encounter.
The home side finished the game with nine men after referee Stuart Morland sent off Adam Thomas and Joe Lynch. Fylde also saw red with defender Pierce Bird dismissed in the first half.
However, a member of the visitor’s travelling contingent alleged that the trouble spilled off the pitch after the full-time whistle.
Fylde’s kit man Steve Cowell told the Daily Mail that he had been ‘abused’ by Woodthorpe, stating that the Chester coach repeatedly swore at him and that he came at him ‘like a raging bull’.
The 67-year-old also alleged that ‘about 20’ home fans attempted to enter the dressing room.
As a result of Cowell’s comments and the Mail’s article, an investigation into the matter was conducted by Cheshire Police and the English FA.
🔵 We wish to express our disappointment at media reports relating to events at the conclusion of our home fixture with AFC Fylde on Saturday, 27 August.
Full statement from the Board below. 👇
— Chester FC (@ChesterFC) October 21, 2022
Following that investigation, Chester FC have confirmed in an official statement that neither the club nor Woodthorpe will face any action regarding the matter.
Chester have taken issue with the article itself, stating: “It was our belief that the article – and a second article published on Daily Mail Online on Friday, 2 September – contained several unfounded and malicious allegations, however we have deferred from commenting until the completion of the investigations.”
The Blues said some of the claims were ‘spurious’ and have also taken exception to the Daily Mail’s references to Woodthorpe’s previous employment with AFC Fylde and an investigation into historical social media posts.
The Cheshire natives stated: “We are also troubled the articles draw reference to Colin’s past employment with AFC Fylde and subsequent legal proceedings, and a previous FA investigation into social media posts, which we are concerned attempt to question his character.”
Chester have thanked the FA and the Cheshire police for their ‘consideration’ and have requested an apology from Fylde for the ‘negative publicity’ that the investigation has garnered for both the club and Woodthorpe.
