Man guilty of fatal one-punch attack on football fan

A man has been found guilty of killing a football fan with a single punch after violence broke out between rival fans following a football match.

Tony Johnson, 55, suffered a fatal head injury outside The Manchester pub on Blackpool promenade after a match between Blackpool and Burnley on the evening of 4 March 2023.

Jake Balmforth, 35, of Tarvin Close, Burnley, was found guilty of manslaughter by a jury at Preston Crown Court earlier following a six-day trial.

He was remanded in custody until a sentencing hearing set for 22 May.

Mr Johnson had been among a group of Blackpool fans who gathered outside the pub, which was a designated pub for Burnley fans that day, the court heard.

A disturbance followed and CCTV footage showed Balmforth punch Mr Johnson once in the face.

He was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital but was pronounced dead on 6 March, having not regained consciousness.

Speaking after the hearing, Det Chief Insp Andy Fallows, from Lancashire Police, said: "My thoughts remain first and foremost with Tony Johnson's family and loved ones.

"During the trial over the last few days they have had the distressing experience of having to relive the events of that evening in March 2023.

"This case highlights what the tragic consequences can be when violence breaks out."

Nine other men who pleaded guilty to affray will be sentenced at a later date.

Following Mr Johnson's death, his partner paid tribute to him, saying she was "devastated" to have lost her "best friend, life partner and soul mate".

"We all, as a family, are so heartbroken and our lives are never going to be the same," she added.

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