Tributes are being paid to a Blackpool FC fan who died after a mass brawl involving a group of football fans outside a pub in the seaside resort.
Emergency services rushed to The Manchester Pub at the junction of Lytham Road and the Promenade after a fight broke out involving around 15 people. The incident occurred at 7pm on Saturday after the Blackpool FC and Burnley FC match, and police believe the fracas involved a number football fans.
Officers were already in the area as part of their patrols following the Lancashire derby. When they arrived at the pub shortly after 7pm, they found a man - now named as Tony Johnson - had suffered a serious head injury.
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They administered CPR at the scene and Tony was taken to hospital. Tragically, the 55-year-old died on Monday morning. His next of kin are now being supported by specially-trained officers, reports Lancs Live.
A statement from Blackpool FC 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."
A statement from Burnley FC said: "Burnley Football Club are shocked and saddened to hear of the passing away 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."
A 33-year-old man from Burnley was arrested at the scene on suspicion of wounding. He has since been bailed, pending further enquiries, until June 1. An investigation has now been launched and police are working with both Blackpool and Burnley football clubs to establish who else was involved in the incident and what exactly occurred.
DCI Tracey McMurdo, of Lancashire Police, said: “Sadly Mr Johnson died in hospital overnight and his family are, understandably, devastated. We are supporting them at this difficult time and are determined to get them answers about what happened. The investigation continues and we are appealing for information about what occurred.
"The incident took place in a busy area and we know there were a lot of people around at the time who will have seen all or part of what happened. There may also be people who filmed the incident on a mobile phone or captured it on CCTV or dashcam.
“If you do have any footage, and have not yet been in contact with us, please get in touch. At the heart of this is a grieving family, who are incredibly distressed by what has happened, so we also ask that if you have any footage you do not share it on social media. If you have already done so, we respectfully ask that you remove it."
Tributes have flooded social media since his death was announced. The Tangerine Knights Support Page said: "Unfortunately in the early hours of this morning the Seasiders family has lost a member. Tony Johnson was a great friend to many and a devoted Blackpool fan who will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Rest in peace and our deepest condolences to his family and friends."
The Armfield Club posted: "We are deeply saddened to hear the news that our good friend Tony Johnson has passed away during the early hours of this morning. It's very difficult to put into words how we all feel on this day, and all of our thoughts are with Tony's partner and family.
"Tony was Blackpool through and through, and one of the best friends ever likely to cross your path in life. Devastated is an understatement."
One person said: "RIP Tony Johnson A proper Blackpool lad who will be missed by so many. He left home to go to the footie as we all do but never returned. It shouldn't happen.
"Deepest condolences to all his family and close friends who have lost a fantastic bloke. Tangerine through and through."
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