- Tony Johnson, a 55-year-old fan, has died.
- Following a brawl between football supporters outside a bar in Blackpool.
- Police are collaborating with Burnley and Blackpool football teams to determine what happened.
Following a brawl between football supporters outside a bar, a man has died. Tony Johnson, a fan, “tragically lost his life,” according to Blackpool FC, who expressed their “great shock and sadness” at the news.
The 55-year-old had been found with a major head injury outside The Manchester bar on the Promenade in Blackpool at about 19:00 GMT on Saturday, Lancashire Police said.
Following the Blackpool vs. Burnley game, fans had fought.
Prior to being transferred to the hospital, Mr. Johnson had received CPR from police officers.
Det Ch Insp Tracey McMurdo 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.”
Because “at the core of this is a bereaved family, who are tremendously distraught by what has happened,” she made an appeal for mobile phone, CCTV, and dashcam footage and urged anyone who did have any to refrain from posting it online.
Earlier, the police stated that they were collaborating with the Burnley and Blackpool football teams to determine what had occurred.
Blackpool said that they would start keeping an open book of condolences in the Moretti Lounge at 16:00 GMT, allowing fans to express their condolences.
Together with staff and players, supporters were encouraged to place flowers at the Stan Mortensen statue located behind Bloomfield Road’s north stand.
They stated that everyone connected to the club would have the chance to reunite and remember Mr. Johnson, 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, a Blackpool fans supporters organisation, stated it was “very grieved” that our wonderful buddy has died away, adding he was “Blackpool through and through”.
Burnley said they were “shocked and saddened” by Mr. Johnson’s death, adding: “We share our thoughts and condolences with his family, friends and everyone at Blackpool Football Club.”
More than £6,000 has been raised through a fundraising page created to assist with the “loyal and true” Seasider’s burial costs.
A 33-year-old man who was detained on suspicion of injuring on Saturday has been released on bail as police continue their investigation.
At Bloomfield Road in the Championship match, Blackpool and Burnley tied 0-0.
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