Blackpool Football Club have announced that supporter Tony Johnson has tragically passed in the early hours of Monday morning after injuries sustained in a mass brawl following the Tangerines' 0-0 draw with Burnley on Saturday.
With the game having petered out to a stalemate, reports and updates began to emerge hours after the game via Lancashire Police that a man had been critically injured at around 7pm, just two hours after the full-time whistle had blown. A man was taken to hospital with a 'life-threatening condition' after the attack outside 'The Manchester' pub, a mere 10-minute walk from their stadium, Bloomfield Road.
'The Manchester' had hosted many of the 3,700 Burnley fans that had made the trip for the Lancashire derby, and at 7pm, around 15 people were said to have been involved in a mass brawl outside the venue, resulting in Johnson being found by officers with a serious head injury. CPR was given, before he was rushed to hospital as a matter of urgency. Tragically, Blackpool Football Club released a statement at around 12:00pm on Monday afternoon, confirming Johnson's death after a short yet brave battle over the weekend.
It read: “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.”
Lancashire Police arrested a 33-year-old man at the scene on suspicion of wounding. He remains in custody.
DCI Tracey McMurdo, of Lancashire Police, said: “Officers were in the Promenade and Lytham Road area when they were made aware of a group of people fighting outside the nearby Manchester pub.
"Officers were in immediate attendance and provided medical assistance, before the man was taken to hospital. “A man was arrested at the scene and remains in custody while our enquiries continue.
“We are taking this incident extremely seriously and will do everything in our power to identify anybody who may have been involved. This type of violence is simply not acceptable on the streets of Lancashire."
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