Football fan died in crash on way home from match

Stevenage FC groundImage source, PA Media
Image caption,

Stevenage Football Club is asking supporters to give a minute's applause at Saturday's match in tribute to fan Ollie Gatfield

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A football club said it was “deeply saddened” over the death of one of its "dedicated" fans, following a match at the weekend.

Stevenage FC said Ollie Gatfield, 19, died in a car accident on the way home from its away game against Shrewsbury.

Hertfordshire Police said a car hit a tree on the A602 in Hitchin shortly before 20:40 GMT on Saturday.

The club said another fan who was also in the car, Liam Sharpe, was in a coma.

Police said the white Volkswagen Polo was travelling towards Stevenage when it left the carriageway.

They are appealing for anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.

Image source, Thomas Magill/BBC
Image caption,

Flowers were left at the scene of the crash at the A602 in Hitchin

In a statement on its website, Stevenage FC said: , external“A dedicated member of the East Terrace, Ollie followed Stevenage home and away and attended the weekend’s win at Shrewsbury Town.

“The thoughts of everyone connected to Stevenage are with Ollie and Liam’s families and loved ones at this incredibly sad time.”

The club is asking both Stevenage and Barnsley supporters to join in with a minute’s applause before the game on Saturday, as a tribute to Mr Gatfield.

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