Blackpool FC said it was ‘deeply shocked and saddened’ by Tony’s death
A fundraising page has been launched for a Blackpool fan who died after an attack outside a pub led to a mass brawl involving 15 people.
Tony Johnson died in the early hours of Monday following the incident that took place following a match between Blackpool and Burnley over the weekend.
The 55-year-old was attacked outside The Manchester pub, in Blackpool, around 7pm Saturday and suffered serious injuries.
Officers were near the pub following the Blackpool v Burnley match and found Tony had suffered a serious head injury.
They administered CPR at the scene and Tony, from Blackpool, was rushed to hospital, where he later died. It is believed the altercation broke out between a number of football fans.
A Gofundme page was launched on Monday to help Tony’s “partner and family at this terrible time with help towards any funeral costs or other financial commitments that they have at this time”.
By midday, almost £6,000 had been raised.
In a statement, 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.”
The Armfield Club shared the news of Tony’s passing, and said: “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. He did not deserve this to happen to him.
“Tony was Blackpool through and through, and one of the best friends ever likely to cross your path in life. Devastated is an understatement.”
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.
— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) March 6, 2023
A 33-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of wounding and has since been bailed, pending further enquiries, until June 1st.
Police are working with both Blackpool and Burnley football clubs to establish who else was involved in the altercation and exactly what happened.
Detectives are urging anyone with information about what happened to get in touch.
Detective chief inspector Tracey McMurdo, of Lancashire Police, confirmed Johnson had died in hospital overnight, saying his family are “understandably devastated”.
“We are supporting them at this difficult time and are determined to get them answers about what happened,” she said.
“The investigation continues and we will pursue anybody involved to bring them to justice.
“We now continue to appeal 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.”
McMurdo continued: “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.”
Anybody with information is urged to call police us on 101, quoting log 1262 of March 4th, or report it online at doitonline.lancashire.police.uk. People can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.
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