Council and police confirm investigation into Chesterfield's '˜rafflegate'

Chesterfield Borough Council and Derbyshire Police are investigating Chesterfield FC's '˜rafflegate.'
Chesterfield vs Doncaster Rovers - Proact Stadium - Pic By James WilliamsonChesterfield vs Doncaster Rovers - Proact Stadium - Pic By James Williamson
Chesterfield vs Doncaster Rovers - Proact Stadium - Pic By James Williamson

The council’s licensing department are looking into a raffle held by the club earlier this year.

And a Derbyshire Police spokesperson said: “I can confirm we are investigating, in conjunction with the council, allegations relating to a raffle at the football club.

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“The investigation is at an early stage and we have no further comment at this time.”

The club’s marketing chief Kevin Fitzgerald departed when it emerged that only four entries had been received for a raffle to join the first team on a trip to Hungary and winner ‘James Higgins’ was made up.

Spireites fan Mark Barton did actually travel to Hungary and realised there was no raffle winner at the game.

His suspicions led to an investigation by company secretary Ashley Carson and Fitzgerald’s subsequent exit.

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The news that a raffle winner had been faked made national headlines.

Carson says police involvement is news to him but he wants the matter dealt with swiftly.

“I appreciate the job the council have got to do,” he said. “I’m not aware that they’ve involved the police or not.

“I’m hoping for a quick conclusion now.”