A Blackpool fan has died after a post-game altercation between Blackpool and Burnley supporters on Saturday night.
Tony Johnson, 55, was confirmed to have died from a serious head injury after a fight outside a pub near Blackpool’s stadium Bloomfield Road.
“Blackpool FC is deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the news that supporter, Tony Johnson, tragically lost his life earlier this morning,” read a statement from the Championship club.
The Lancashire Police released a statement detailing the incident after Blackpool and Burnley drew 0-0 in a league match.
The incident took place at around 7pm on Saturday (March 4th), when an altercation broke out involving a number of people outside The Manchester pub, at the junction of Lytham Road and the Promenade.
Officers were in the area of the pub following the Blackpool v Burnley football match and they attended and found a man had suffered a serious head injury.
They administered CPR at the scene and the man, aged in his 50s, was subsequently taken to hospital. He has since been named as Tony Johnson, 55, from Blackpool.
Sadly Mr Johnson died overnight and his next of kin are now being supported by specially-trained officers.
It is believed the altercation broke out between a number of football fans, with Mr Johnson injured as part of this incident. At this time there is no suggestion he was specifically targeted.
A 33-year-old man from Burnley was arrested at the scene on suspicion of wounding and he has since been bailed, pending further enquiries, until June 1st.
Blackpool has invited fans to lay flowers outside the stadium and sign a book of condolence on Monday to honor Johnson, whom the club called a “lifelong Seasider.”
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