07 March 2024 , 11:42
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Referee Chris Hunter has tragically died at the age of just 35.
Hunter officiated non-league football and had a season ticket at Nottingham Forest, with the club among those who have paid tribute on social media after the Nottinghamshire Football Association shared the news of his passing.
"Nottinghamshire FA is deeply saddened to report that Chris Hunter has unexpectedly passed away aged 35," they wrote on social media. "Chris was a former Level 3 referee operating at Steps 2-4 of non-league football and a season-ticket holder at Nottingham Forest.
"Our deepest sympathies go to Christopher's family and friends. A tribute to Chris will follow in the coming days." And Forest responded to the post, writing: "Our thoughts and condolences go out to Chris' friends and family at this truly difficult time."
The Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL) added: "Everyone at PGMOL is deeply saddened at the passing of Chris. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and the refereeing family. Rest in Peace, Chris."
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Several former Premier League referees also offered their condolences, with Keith Hackett writing: "My condolences to the family and friends of Chris Hunter on this shocking news. RIP Chris."
Fellow ex-referee Chris Foy, who officiated in the Premier League for 14 years between 2001 and 2015, added: "Sending my deepest condolences to Christopher's family and friends."
The Nottinghamshire Senior League, a league Hunter had officiated in, have also announced they will hold a minute's silence ahead of their games this weekend in Hunter's memory.
"The Nottinghamshire Senior League are very saddened to hear of the passing of former NSL League Referee Chris Hunter," they said. "There will be a minutes silence at all our matches this weekend."
The Derby and South Derbyshire Referee Association said: "Our thoughts go out to Chris’s family at this difficult time." While the Mansfield Town Community Trust added: "Condolences from everyone at Mansfield Town Community Trust."
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