Blackpool supporter Tony Johnson has succumbed to the injuries that he sustained during a 15-man brawl against Burnley supporters. Fans of both Blackpool and Burnley were involved in a brawl outside a pub which was followed by the death of Johnson. Soccer fans around the world are in mourning. One fan said, “Nobody should ever go to a match and never return. Condolences to friends and family, extremely saddening news.”
Nobody should ever go to a match and never return.
Condolences to friends and family, extremely saddening news 🙁— CharlieUTB ☭ 🇦🇹 🏹 (@CharlieStorUTB) March 6, 2023
Some fans have urged not to give Burnley FC and its fans a bad name. They claim that people who are involved in these brawls do not represent the club.
All football rivalries aside; My sincere condolences to the family. People’s anger should not be directed at Burnley FC, them and their fans are not accountable for the acts of thugs claiming to be fans. Football is supposed to bring people together, not cost people their lives😔 https://t.co/fRYEvaV0bP
— ƬΉΣ ΛDDΣЯ (@TheAdder180) March 6, 2023
Other fans joined in to give their condolences to Johnson’s family:
RIP Tony. ♥️
Sickening how a fan can go to support his football team and loose his life.
I’m all for a drink and all for some chanting but never understood football violence.
Hopefully justice is done. https://t.co/jl2pb8C1VR
— Coopers Reds (@CoopersReds) March 6, 2023
Thoughts with Tony’s family and friends,some scumbags in this world. Nobody should be going to a football match and not returning back home. So so sad. https://t.co/OW7bqSbTt3
— Josh Bunting (@Buntingfootball) March 6, 2023
Rip Tony nobody should go to football and not come home 💔😢 https://t.co/0GfZZvWpFW
— LufcJosh (@JoshLUFC17) March 6, 2023
Officers had found 55-year-old Johnson with a serious head injury outside The Manchester pub. At about 7 pm GMT, he was found and administered CPR by the officers before being taken to the hospital for treatment. It was later confirmed that he died from his injuries.
Blackpool faced Burnley at home on Saturday, March 4, 2023. The match ended 0-0. Burnley leads the English Championship with 77 points in 35 matches. Meanwhile, Blackpool is under relegation threat. It is 22nd-placed with 32 points out of 35 matches.
Blackpool released an official statement mourning the death of Tony Johnson
Blackpool FC released an official statement after it was announced that Johnson succumbed to the injuries. The statement read:
“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 also released a statement regarding the same. It said, “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.”
🤍 The thoughts of everyone at #LUFC are with Tony’s friends and family at this time. RIP
— Leeds United (@LUFC) March 6, 2023
Many other soccer clubs posted on Twitter about the sad demise of Johnson. Leeds United, Birmingham City, Port Vale FC, and Stoke City FC were among those clubs.
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