Blackpool supporter dies after fight outside pub

A book of condolence will be opened for supporters to pay their respects

Flowers and other tributes are being left at the Mortensen Statue behind the North Stand
Author: Harry BoothPublished 6th Mar 2023

A man has died after a fight broke out between football fans in Blackpool.

Around 15 people were involved outside The Manchester Pub at around 7pm on Saturday 4 March.

Officers were in the area after the Blackpool v Burnley match and found 55-year-old Tony Johnson with a serious head injury.

He was taken to hospital and died overnight.

A 33-year-old man from Burnley was arrested at the scene on suspicion of wounding and bailed, pending further enquiries, until 1 June.

Lancashire Police say they're continuing to work with both football clubs to work out who else was involved and exactly what happened.

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 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.

"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.”

Blackpool FC issued a statement to say they're 'deeply shocked and saddened' by Tony's death.

A book of condolence will be opened from 4pm in the Moretti Lounge to give supporters the chance to pay their respects.

They've also been invited to lay flowers at the Mortensen Statue behind the North Stand at 4pm along with the club's staff and players.

"All of the thoughts of everyone at the football club go out to Tony's family and friends.

"Rest in peace, Tony."

Clubs from the region have paid their respects on social media.

Anyone with information about what happened is asked to call 101, quoting log 1262 of 4 March or report it online at doitonline@lancashire.police.uk.

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