Blackpool fan Tony Johnson dies after Burnley brawl as heartbroken girlfriend pays tribute to ‘best friend & gentleman’
THE heartbroken girlfriend of a football fan who died after a brawl broke out between Blackpool and Burnley supporters has described him as a “gentleman” in an emotional tribute.
Tony Johnson, 55, was rushed to hospital in a critical condition following the fight on Saturday night and passed away on Monday morning, Blackpool FC confirmed.
HandoutTony Johnson’s girlfriend has described him as her ‘best friend’[/caption]
GoFundMeThe football fan, 55, died after a brawl in Blackpool[/caption]
Dave NelsonA fight broke out outside The Manchester pub on Saturday night[/caption]
He suffered a head injury during the mass confrontation outside The Manchester pub in Blackpool following the 0-0 draw.
Tony’s devastated girlfriend said he was her “best friend, life partner and soul mate” in a tribute.
She added: “Tony was a very much loved dad, son, brother, uncle and Gramps and obviously a beloved friend to many.
“We all, as a family, are so heartbroken and our lives are never going to be the same.
“Thank you to the NHS, staff in A&E and the Critical Care Unit at BVH who all did as much as they could for our loved one.
“Thank you everyone for reaching out but please could you respect our privacy at this difficult time.
“He will be one missed gentleman and the party will live on through us all, just as he would’ve wanted.
“Rest in peace my darling, tangerine dreams forever.”
Cops were called to the scene around 7pm – hours after the goalless game had finished.
Paramedics administered CPR before Tony was taken to hospital, where he later died.
A spokesman for 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 Blackpool Tower has been illuminated in the club’s colour in Tony’s memory.
The Armfield Club, an independent supporters club close to Bloomfield Road, added: “Tony was Blackpool through and through and one of the best friends ever likely to cross your path in life.
“Devastated is an understatement.
A 33-year-old man from Burney was arrested on suspicion of wounding.
He has since been bailed pending further enquiries until June 1.
Police are urging anyone with information or mobile or dashcam footage to come forward.
DCI Tracey McMurdo, of Lancashire Police, said: “Mr Johnson’s family are devastated by their loss and we are supporting them at this incredibly difficult time.
“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, and there may also be people who filmed the incident on a mobile phone or captured it on CCTV or dashcam.
“If you have any information that will help us piece together what happened, please get in touch.
“We also continue to ask people not to post any footage they might have on social media.
“Mr Johnson’s family are distressed enough and seeing anything of this nature will only cause them more pain.
“If you have already posted something online, we respectfully ask that you remove it.”
Anybody with information should call police on 101, quoting log 675 of March 6th, or report it online.
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.
Dave NelsonPolice said 15 people were involved[/caption]
Dave NelsonThe Blackpool Tower has been illuminated in the club’s colour in Tony’s memory[/caption]