Nine men sentenced for fatal fight outside Blackpool pub following football derby
55-year-old Tony Johnson lost his life after being fatally punched during the disturbance
Nine men have been sentenced for their roles in a violent clash between rival football fans outside a Blackpool pub, which occurred after a Championship fixture between Blackpool and Burnley last year.
The incident took place on the evening of 4 March 2023 outside the Manchester pub on the Promenade — a venue designated for Burnley supporters. At around 7:20pm, a group of Blackpool fans gathered outside the pub, leading to a disorder between both sets of fans.
Tragically, 55-year-old Tony Johnson lost his life after being fatally punched during the disturbance. In May, Jake Balmforth, 35, was convicted of Mr Johnson’s manslaughter and sentenced to five years in prison.
While the nine men sentenced yesterday at Preston Crown Court were not involved in Mr Johnson’s death, they had all previously pleaded guilty to affray for their roles in the wider disorder.
John Oswell, 51, of Royal Avenue, Blackpool, was jailed for 21 months and handed a six-year Football Banning Order.
Callum Howarth, 31, of Boleyn Court, Dalkeith Avenue, Blackpool, was sentenced to 15 months in prison and given a 10-year Football Banning Order.
Nicholas Schofield, 33, of Langroyd Road, Colne, received a 17-month suspended prison sentence and a four-year Football Banning Order.
Zak Bailey, 21, of Highfield Avenue, Foulridge, Colne, was handed a 15-month suspended prison sentence and a four-year Football Banning Order.
John Whiteside, 48, of Noyna Road, Foulridge, Colne, received a 15-month suspended sentence and a four-year Football Banning Order.
Jason Tattersall, 20, of Aylesbury Walk, Burnley, was given a 15-month suspended custodial sentence and a four-year Football Banning Order.
Joshua Ashton, 20, of Rimmington Avenue, Burnley, was sentenced to 13 months, suspended, and received a four-year Football Banning Order.
Jonothan Lines, 33, of Millington Avenue, Blackpool, was given a 12-month suspended sentence and a four-year Football Banning Order.
Reece Hutchinson, 20, of Briarfield Road, Poulton-le-Fylde, also received a 12-month suspended custodial sentence and a four-year Football Banning Order.
All nine men are now banned from attending football matches for the duration of their Football Banning Orders.
Det Chief Inspector Andy Fallows of Lancashire Police’s Force Major Investigation Team, said: “This sentencing has concluded a long-running investigation which was launched after the tragic death of Tony Johnson.
“The nine men before the court all involved themselves in the disgraceful scenes outside the Manchester pub and led them to being brought before the court to be held accountable for their behaviour on the night.
“They weren’t involved in Mr Johnson’s death; however they chose to get involved in serious disorder.
“My thoughts continue to be very much with Mr Johnson’s family and loved ones."