Football fan in his 50s dies in hospital after a mass fight broke out between Blackpool and Burnley supporters outside the pub
A man in his 50s has died after a massive brawl between football fans outside a Blackpool pub.
Paramedics took 55-year-old Tony Johnson to hospital after he sustained a head injury during the brawl outside The Manchester pub on Saturday night, following the goalless Championship clash between Blackpool and Burnley.
He died in hospital today after spending the weekend on life support, Blackpool FC confirmed.
A Burnley fan in his 30s was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of wounding and is out on bail until June 1.
Tony Johnson had been left in critical condition after the fight and died Monday morning after spending the weekend on life support.
Paramedics performed CPR on the man, who had sustained a head injury, before he was taken to hospital in critical condition. He is now dead, police confirmed.
Supporters will be invited to pay their respects in a condolence book at his Bloomfield Road stadium this afternoon and to lay flowers behind the north stand.
A club spokesperson said: ‘Blackpool FC are deeply shocked and saddened to learn the news that supporter Tony Johnson tragically lost his life this morning.
The Club will offer an open book of condolences 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 today at 4:00pm together with the club’s staff and players, giving everyone associated with the football club the opportunity to come together. and remember a lifelong Seasider”.
All thoughts of everyone at the soccer club are with Tony’s family and friends. Rest in peace, Tony.
A GoFundMe has been set up to support Mr Johnson’s family and over £2,500 has already been raised.
A friend posted online: ‘I really don’t know what to say. We are in shock and broken. What type
“He was always there for me and my family in the most difficult moments. He lived life to the fullest, he loved us all and Blackpool FC.
‘He is going to be massively missed. Rest easy Toe, we will never forget you.
Armfield Club, a supporters club for Blackpool fans, tweeted that it was “difficult to put into words” how Johnson’s friends felt.
“It is very difficult to put into words how we are all feeling on this day and all our thoughts are with Tony’s partner and family. He didn’t deserve this to happen to him.
“Tony was a Blackpool fan to the core and one of the best friends you’re likely to come across in life.”
Burnley fans pictured at the match against Blackpool on Saturday. A man in his 50s was left in critical condition after a fight
Detective Chief Inspector Tracey McMurdo said Monday: “Unfortunately, Mr Johnson died in hospital overnight and his family is understandably devastated.”
“We are standing by them at this difficult time and we are determined to get answers about what happened.”
Inspector McMurdo called for witnesses to come forward, saying “at the center of this is a grieving family, who are incredibly distraught over what has happened.”
“The investigation is continuing and we will pursue all those involved to bring them to justice.
‘Now we continue to appeal to obtain information about what happened.
“The incident took place in a busy area and we know there were a lot of people around at the time who may have seen all or part of what happened.”
The force asked that anyone with images share them with them, but said people should not share images of the melee online.
Burnley FC said in a statement: ‘Burnley Football Club is shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Blackpool fan Tony Johnson in the early hours of this morning.
“We share our thoughts and condolences with his family, friends and everyone at Blackpool Football Club.”