Blackpool pay tribute to fan with confirmation of his death after attack outside pub

Blackpool pay tribute to fan Tony Johnson with confirmation of his death after an attack outside The Manchester pub on Saturday.

The Manchester Pub, Blackpool, was the scene of a serious incident that police responded to on Saturday night with Lancashire Police confirming that an active investigation took place at the pub.

Officers discovered that a man suffered a severe head injury from an attack outside the pub around 7pm as per LancsLive. He was taken to hospital and is said to be currently in a critical condition.

A 33-year old male was taken into custody on suspicion of wounding. Investigative efforts are ongoing. Police taped the Promenade in Blackpool.

The Armfield Club wrote: “We are deeply saddened to hear the news that our good friend Tony Johnson has passed away during the early hours of this morning.

“It’s very difficult to put into words how we all feel on this day, and all of our thoughts are with Tony’s partner and family. He did not deserve this to happen to him.

“Tony was Blackpool through and through, and one of the best friends ever likely to cross your path in life. Devastated is an understatement.

“Blackpool Football Club will be making an announcement shortly with details of a short ceremony and laying of flowers this afternoon from the directors, management and playing staff, and all who can make it there to pay respects to our good friend.”

I’m afraid Tony lost his life at 0420 this morning you will be sorely missed big man God bless You 🧡💔🧡💙@MuckersThe and a big think thank to everyone who had Tony in there 🙏

— George Robinson (@georgerobbo55) March 6, 2023

BLACKPOOL STATEMENT:

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.

Burnley have tweeted: Burnley Football Club are shocked and saddened to hear of the passing away of Blackpool fan, Tony Johnson, in the early hours of this morning.

We share our thoughts and condolences with his family, friends and everyone at Blackpool Football Club.

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Here’s how social media users reacted as Blackpool pay tribute to the fan with confirmation of his death after an attack outside a pub…

@joshruck48: From all of us connected at Fleetwood town sending our thoughts and deepest sympathies at this sad time

@AngelaNo19: Heartbreaking Rest in Peace Tony 🧡🧡🧡

@Oliviaingham17: RIP tony 💜💙🍊 keep violence out of football.

@1882CLARETnBLUE: A side of football I will never understand!! Love the rivalries, love the banter, love the passion.. But how the hell does it come to this?! RIP Tony! What a sad day for football, but more so for his family!

@StonesThrow_W12: Having a punch up/attacking someone because they like a different team to you is the equivalent of attacking someone for not liking the same food as you. It doesn’t fucking matter, it’s just a fucking game, stop fucking fighting. RIP Tony, R’s thoughts with everyone affected #QPR

@PNEFansForum: So sorry, we should definitely arrange a mins applause in the 42nd min of our fixture to celebrate this man’s life and to highlight the dangers of rivalries going too far. May he RIP so sorry for your loss. #pnefc #utmp

@BH2211FC: RIP Tony, like I said nobody be should be going to a football match and not coming home. That can happen to anybody and that thought scares me. I like to send my condolences to his family and friends. Really horrible news 💔😢🍊

@Connor_bwfc98: Need a full enquiry as to how this happened & whoever is responsible needs the book thrown at them

@Tatty87941: RIP Tony. Nobody should go to a football match and lose their life (regardless of the rumours surrounding what happened). Of course there are rivalries, but that should be kept in the ground with telling the opposition how shit they are – not with fists hours after a game 🧡🤝💜💙

@ediesimpson_04: Awful news no one should go to a football match and never come home under any circumstances. RIP Tony, thoughts are with your family and friends at this time. Football is not a place for violence it’s for people to have a good laugh with friends and support their team

@jw_wba: Tragic. Too many people go to football games looking for trouble. RIP Tony

@bfcJacob01: Doesn’t matter what happened or who caused what. Nobody should go to a football game and not return. Shocking news and hopefully a wake up call to these people who think violence at football is justifiable. RIP Tony

@SfcDanny: RIP Tony, no fan should go to football and not return home 💔 hope the person who did this spends a lot of time behind bars! 😡

@PrestonEnglandX: Rivalry aside. Football shows no colours at times like this. RIP Tony #utmp #pnefc 🟠🟠🔵🔵

@jameyjonesy: RIP Tony, Thoughts go out to your family and friends 🧡

@jackxlufc: rest in peace tony, rivalries belong in football but violence doesn’t

@UTBMatty: no fan should ever go to a football game and not return home. i feel for the family and friends of those who have become victims of violence in football. It needs to be stopped. everyone should be able to go out, support their team and come home safely. it happens too often.

Will miss you big fella 😢 x pic.twitter.com/u2lGT2XLyj

— Jay Forey (@JayForeyBFC) March 6, 2023