Partner of football fan, 55, who died after a mass brawl says she lost her ... trends now The grieving partner of a 55-year-old football fan who died after a mass brawl outside a Blackpool pub has said she is 'devastated to have lost [her] best friend, life partner and soul mate in a cruel act.' Tony Johnson suffered a serious head injury during the fight outside The Manchester pub on Saturday night, following the goalless Championship clash between Blackpool and Burnley. He was rushed to hospital where he was placed on life support but sadly died in hospital today, Blackpool FC have confirmed. Since news of Tony's death, fans have gathered to lay flowers outside the club stadium in tribute. Speaking via a press release from Lancashire Police, Mr Johnson's partner asked for privacy while she and her family grieved. Tony Johnson pictured with his partner who says she is 'devastated' by his loss He had been left in a critical condition after the fight and died on Monday morning after spending the weekend on life support Paramedics performed CPR on the man, who had suffered a head injury, before he was taken to hospital in a critical condition. He has now died, police confirmed 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. '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 for 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. A Burnley fan in his 30s was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of wounding and has been bailed until June 1. Supporters were invited to pay their respects in a book of condolence at their Bloomfield Road stadium this afternoon and to lay flowers behind the north stand. A club spokesman 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.' Fans were encouraged to lay floral tributes to Mr Johnson outside the club stadium Many fans left touching messages of support to Mr Johnson and his family Members of Blackpool FC also paid their respects to Mr Johnson A GoFundMe has been set up to support Mr Johnson's family and has already raised more than £2,500. One friend posted online: 'I don't what to say really. We're just in shock and broken. What a bloke. 'He was always there for me and family in the hardest of times. He lived life to the full, loved us all and Blackpool FC. 'He is going to be massively missed. Rest easy now Toe, you'll never be forgotten.' Armfield Club, a supporters club for fans of Blackpool, tweeted that it was 'difficult to put into words' how friends of Mr Johnson felt. '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 a Blackpool fan through and through and one of the best friends ever likely to cross your path in life.' 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.' The force asked that anyone with footage share it with them but said people should not share images of the melee online. Burnley FC said in a statement: '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.' All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility