Lifelong Blackpool fan dies after fight between football supporters
Lancashire Police said it was believed the "altercation" broke out "between a number of football fans, with Mr Johnson injured as part of this incident". It added: "At this time there is no suggestion he was specifically targeted."
Monday 6 March 2023 21:08, UK
A football fan has died after a fight broke out between supporters in Blackpool.
Tony Johnson, 55, suffered a serious head injury in the incident outside a pub on Saturday night.
Mr Johnson, a "lifelong Seasider" from Blackpool, was given CPR by police before being taken to hospital where he died a few hours later.
Officers had been in the area of The Manchester pub in the seaside resort town following the team's Championship match against Burnley which ended 0-0.
Lancashire Police said it was believed the "altercation" broke out around 7pm "between a number of football fans, with Mr Johnson injured as part of this incident".
It added: "At this time there is no suggestion he was specifically targeted."
Blackpool FC said it was "deeply shocked and saddened" to learn of Mr Johnson's death.
The club said there was an open book of condolence in the Moretti Lounge at its Bloomfield Road ground, "giving supporters the opportunity to pay their respects to Tony".
It added it planned to lay flowers at the Mortensen Statue behind the North Stand.
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"All of the thoughts of everyone at the football club go out to Tony's family and friends. Rest in peace, Tony," the club went on.
Police have appealed for information about the incident and any mobile phone, CCTV or dashcam footage of it.
Detective Chief Inspector 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.
"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."
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 1 June.