POLICE have charged ten men over the death of a football fan who died after a brawl between Burnley and Blackpool supporters.
Tony Johnson, 55, suffered a fatal head injury after the fight erupted outside The Manchester Pub in Blackpool on March 4, 2023.
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It came after the grandad’s beloved Blackpool drew 0-0 with Burnley at home.
Lancashire Police confirmed ten men have been charged over Tony’s death.
Jake Balmforth, 34, has been charged with manslaughter while the remaining nine defendants are charged with affray.
They are John Oswell, 49, Jonothan Lines, 31, Reece Hutchinson, 19, Callum Howarth, 29, Nicholas Schofield, 31, John Whiteside, 46, Jason Tattersall, 19, Joshua Ashton, 19, and Zak Bailey, 19.
All ten are due to appear at Preston Magistrates’ Court on March 13.
The horror unfolded hours after the Championship clash ended in a goalless draw.
Paramedics administered CPR before Tony was taken to hospital, where he later died.
Following his death, Tony’s partner said the family’s lives were “never going to be the same”.
She said: “I am devastated to have lost my best friend, life partner and soul mate in a cruel act.
“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.
“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.”
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