Blackpool fan Tony Johnson dies after Burnley brawl as club pays tribute
A FOOTBALL fan has died after a brawl broke out between Blackpool and Burnley supporters on Saturday night.
Tony Johnson was rushed to hospital in a critical condition following the fight and sadly passed away this morning, Blackpool FC confirmed.
He suffered a head injury during the mass confrontation outside The Manchester pub in Blackpool following the 0-0 draw.
A spokesperson for the club said: “Blackpool FC is deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the news that supporter Tony Johnson tragically lost his life earlier this morning.
“The Club will be offering an open book of condolence from 4pm in the Moretti Lounge, giving supporters the opportunity to pay their respects to Tony.
“Supporters are also invited to lay flowers at the Mortensen Statue behind the North Stand at 4pm today along with the Club’s staff and players, giving everyone associated with the football club the chance to come together and remember a lifelong Seasider.
“All of the thoughts of everyone at the football club go out to Tony’s family and friends. Rest in peace, Tony.”
The Armfield Club, an independent supporters club close to Bloomfield Road, added: “Tony was Blackpool through and through and one of the best friends ever likely to cross your path in life.
“Devastated is an understatement.”
Cops were called to the scene around 7pm – hours after the goalless game had finished.
Paramedics administered CPR before Tony was taken to hospital.
A 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of wounding.
Police are urging anyone with information or mobile or dashcam footage to come forward.
DCI Tracey McMurdo said: “We are taking this incident extremely seriously and will do everything in our power to identify anybody who may have been involved.”
Lancashire Police previously said: “The incident occurred at around 7pm, when an altercation broke out involving around 15 people outside The Manchester pub, at the junction of Lytham Road and the Promenade.
“Officers were in the area of the pub following the Blackpool v Burnley football match and they attended and found a man had suffered a serious head injury.
“They administered CPR and the man, aged in his 50s, was subsequently taken to hospital.
“It is believed the altercation broke out between a number of football fans, with the man being injured as part of this incident.
“At this time there is no suggestion he was specifically targeted.
“An investigation has now been launched and we are working with both Blackpool and Burnley football clubs to establish who else was involved in the incident and what exactly occurred.”