Non-league footballer Jordan Sinnott has died in hospital after being assaulted just hours before his club's match against Gateshead.
The 25-year-old was on loan at Matlock Town from National League North side Alfreton Town, who had been due to face Gateshead on Saturday.
Mr Sinnott was found unconscious with a suspected fractured skull following a disturbance in Retford, Nottinghamshire, in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Matlock and Alfreton postponed their matches on Saturday afternoon due to "tragic and unforeseen circumstances."
Alfreton Town confirmed their home clash with Gateshead had been postponed around 90 minutes before kick-off.
Shortly afterwards, nearby Matlock announced their local derby at Mickleover Sports in the BetVictor Northern Premier Division was also off.
A statement from Keith Brown, chief executive of the non-league club, said the midfielder died shortly before 7pm on Saturday.
The statement said: "His family and friends were with him at his bedside and we send our sincere condolences to them all at this very sad time."
Nottinghamshire Police initially responded to reports of up to eight men and women being involved in a disturbance in the Dominie Cross pub car park in Grove Street shortly after 11.25pm on Friday.
They were later called to assist ambulance crews attempting to treat Mr Sinnott after he was discovered unconscious with a suspected fractured skull following a subsequent incident at around 2am in Market Place.
A 27-year-old man sustained a suspected broken nose during the incident, while a 44-year-old man suffered a suspected broken jaw.
Officers said a 27-year-old man who was arrested shortly after the incident remains in custody.
In a statement issued before Mr Sinnott's death, Detective Inspector Justine Wilson said inquiries into the incident are continuing.
She added: "This incident happened at a very busy time and we believe there are still a number of witnesses who have not come forward."
