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    Youth footballer ‘threatened by man with knife during mass brawl at cup game before running to hide in dressing room’

    A FRENCH footballer was confronted by a man with a knife at half-time of a youth cup game in Nantes on Sunday afternoon, reports claim.The incident is alleged to have taken place during Nantes’ clash with Monaco, with a player from the former being forced to hide in the dressing room after “being hit”.
    The incident is alleged to have occurred during Monaco’s youth cup clash with NantesCredit: Getty
    With the score tied at 0-0, a fight is claimed have broken out among around 20 spectators.
    According to Ouest-France, the unnamed Nantes player was threatened by a man wielding a knife after being assaulted.
    Thankfully uninjured, the player headed straight to the dressing room to hide from the aggressor.
    The attacker was reportedly able to flee, as stewards attempted to get the alarming situation under control.
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    Eventually the match was able to get back underway… under the supervision of FIVE police squads.
    Monaco went on to score on 60 minutes, winning 1-0 to book a place in the semi-finals.
    The Nantes player that was threatened has reportedly opted not to open legal proceedings following the ordeal.
    A reason for the half-time fracas has not yet been revealed.
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    The two sides had contrasting fortunes at first-team level over the weekend.
    Nantes grabbed an 88th minute equaliser via Mostafa Mohamed to draw 2-2 with Nice at Stade de la Beaujoire.
    While Monaco were beaten 1-0 at home by Reims, managed by British-Belgian Will Still, with the winning goal scored by Arsenal’s England youth international loanee Folarin Balogun. More

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    Four arrested after Old Trafford violence after Betis fans ‘threw coins and sausages at disabled Man Utd fans’

    FOUR Real Betis fans were arrested after “throwing coins and sausages” at Man United’s disabled section at Old Trafford.Trouble emerged between the supporters during the Europa League tie last night as missiles were thrown from the away end.
    Four Real Betis fans were arrested after throwing items at Man United fans sat in the disabled sectionCredit: Reuters
    Real Betis fans also clashed with riot policeCredit: @StuSharp_MUFC
    Greater Manchester Police have said 50 away supporters started the troubleCredit: Getty
    The away fans are put near the disabled section in Old TraffordCredit: Alamy
    Betis were followed by 3,900 fans to Manchester for the first leg of the round of 16.
    And it kicked off after Bruno Fernandes netted United’s third goal when a group of 50 of them started to cause trouble in the ground.
    A police officer was struck by a firework, while United supporter Louise Rigby says that her eight-year-old autistic son was hit by a coin, but was luckily not hurt.
    She told MEN: “They were throwing sausages, hot dogs. Before the match even started they were throwing lighters and euros and packets of tissues and plastic drinks cups. We were getting stuff thrown all over us.
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    “Once our third goal went in, that’s when it turned nasty. They were jumping over the barriers and throwing things. One coin hit my son on the back of the head.
    “He’s got special educational needs and we were sitting in the disabled area. We go to every match. There were a lot of people in wheelchairs and they were all getting things thrown at them.
    “It was absolutely appalling. I’m all for rivalry but last night was so uncalled for. They were setting off flares and all sorts. They were throwing pints and other items. Even before everybody got a sense something was going to erupt.”
    Footage has been shared on social media of the scenes breaking out as riot police moved to the away end.
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    In other areas fans were spotted ripping seats off in order to throw it at the United fans.
    In another case, one fan was filmed repeatedly spitting at the home end as stricken stewards were piled on.
    While a Betis fan masked in a balaclava could be seen attempting to swing his belt across the narrow gap in an attempt to hit home supporters.
    According to MEN, United officials will hold talks with the Manchester United Disabled Supporters’ Association as their seating is below the away section.
    Some Betis fans were filmed spitting at United supportersCredit: @stoney_29
    The disgraceful scenes saw stewards piled on in the standsCredit: @stoney_29
    The report has also suggested that club insiders believe more trouble comes from European games than domestic ones.
    Greater Manchester Police [GMP] have confirmed that they are working with Spanish authorities and the two clubs following the incidents.
    GMP did confirm that the away fans lit flares and pyrotechnics inside Old Trafford and have also insisted that the majority of away fans were “respectful and well behaved”.
    Four Real Betis supporters were arrested for violent disorder, assault, possession of flare inside the stadium and possession of a controlled drug.
    Chief Inspector Jamie Collins, GMP’s match commander on the night, said: “The violent disorder experienced does not reflect the majority of supporters attending this fixture who went just to watch the football on the pitch.
    “Last night’s behaviour by the minority was totally unacceptable and quite shocking for the decent supporters who may have got caught up in this.
    “We are also continuing to offer the welfare needed to support one of our colleagues who was injured as a result when trying to keep the public safe.
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    “GMP are working closely with Manchester United, the UK Football Policing Unit, Real Betis, UEFA and Spanish Police colleagues to identify those involved in a post-match investigation which is ongoing.
    “If any supporters from Manchester United or Real Betis and those attending the game have any information or footage that can assist with enquiries, they are asked to contact Greater Manchester Police on 101 as soon as possible so we can bring those responsible to justice and also to seek, where possible, football banning orders.” More

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    Shocking moment West Ham thug ‘sniffs white powder off man’s head’ during match at London Stadium

    THIS is the shocking moment a West Ham thug “sniffs white powder off another man’s head” during a match at London Stadium.The deplorable video was uploaded to social media and appeared to show the horrible antics of mad Irons fans.
    White contents is sprinkled on a West Ham fan’s headCredit: Facebook
    Another fan is then seen to snort what appears to be powderCredit: Facebook
    Images showed one bald man getting what appears to be white powder sprinkled on his shiny scalp.
    Another hooligan then snorts the contents.
    The images come from a video that was posted on Facebook.
    In the clip, laughter can be heard from other people in the stands as one fan said: “Wheey, go on, video that… Go on get in there.”
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    While, another man added: “Let’s f**king have it
    “Irons, Irons.”
    The video has more than 736,000 views.
    West Ham Football Club have condemned the shocking behaviour.
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    A club spokesman said: “The Club is disgusted by the contents of the video and acted swiftly to identify the offenders.
    “In line with our zero-tolerance approach, details of the offenders were immediately passed on to the police and all individuals had their Season Tickets suspended and are therefore unable to enter London Stadium and travel with the Club for away fixtures.
    “Pending our own club investigation, this could lead to the offenders being banned indefinitely. There is no place for this kind of behaviour.”
    Met Police have been contacted for comment.
    In 2021, The Sun revealed football thugs high on cocaine were fuelling a terrifying surge in violence at stadiums.
    As a result, police chiefs called for tougher punishments for cocaine users at grounds — including more use of bans — to prevent a return of the hooliganism seen in the 1980s.
    Britain’s top football cop, Chief Constable Mark Roberts, warned that more fans than ever were ­taking the drug at games, creating a “toxic mix” of violence.
    He said: “As we see more violent incidents, cocaine is one of those factors along with alcohol that will make it worse, and make people more violent.”
    One supporter also said cocaine at football was so rife that fans snort it in their seats.
    That same year, a FA report said cocaine was the catalyst for thousands of ticketless fans storming Wembley for the England-Italy Euro final.
    Fans were openly snorting the drug at the showpiece event, with one yob bragging how he put a lit flare in his bum during a 15-hour drug-fuelled bender.
    Charlie Perry, 25, boasted how he had “banged a load of powder” during the big day and was then filmed firing off the flare in footage that went viral.
    Just before the pandemic, cocaine binges were blamed for a 45 per cent increase in trouble at football grounds over the previous two years — including violence, pitch invasions and assaults on players.
    One survey revealed that more than 30 per cent of fans had witnessed cocaine being taken inside a stadium — with six per cent admitting to personal use.
    However, drug possession or use was reported at only 103 of 2,663 regulated matches in England and Wales over the entire 2019-20 season, with the vast majority — 81 per cent — involving cocaine.
    Despite clubs promising tougher measures on stopping drugs being brought into grounds, one fan claimed cocaine usage was rife before and during games.
    The supporter, who does not want to be named, said: “You see huge queues in the toilets, you see them doing bumps off keys in the stands, or just off their hands.
    “It’s everywhere.
    “I’ve never known it like this before, and it just feels like it’s getting worse and worse.”
    Another Premier League club said they use dogs outside away turnstiles for every game and on occasions outside home turnstiles.
    Bosses at Tottenham Hotspur described the drug issue as a “societal problem” and that it took a zero-tolerance approach to drugs in the stadium.
    The club, where a fan was photographed appearing to snort a line of cocaine on the pitch in 2017, also said it works closely with the Metropolitan Police on drug-related issues, and anyone found with illegal substances are banned.
    Meanwhile, bosses at Brighton and Hove Albion said it was “increasingly concerned” about the use of cocaine at matches.
    The club added: “We will continue to take all necessary and possible steps to prevent any illegal substance coming into our stadium, and we will continue to impose very severe sanctions on anyone found to be carrying or using any illegal substance in or around our stadium.”
    The Premier League said it also condemned the use of drugs at stadiums and its clubs are working alongside police to tackle the problem.
    A spokesman said: “Possession or use of cocaine is a criminal offence and can result in a football banning order.
    Read More on The Sun
    “Ground regulations clearly state that drugs are prohibited and measures such as detection dogs are used frequently to combat it.
    “Our clubs continue to work closely with police on this issue.” More

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    Becky Vardy slams Kyle Walker’s wife for ‘playing victim’ & calls her a ‘doormat’ after Man City star’s flashing shame

    WAG Becky Vardy has launched an explosive rant at Kyle Walker’s missus – accusing her of “playing the victim” and branding her “a doormat”.The apparent feud came as cops launched an investigation into the Man City star, 32, after video emerged of him exposing himself during a night out.
    Becky Vardy hit out at Kyle Walker’s wife in an Instagram post describing her as a ‘doormat’Credit: Getty
    Annie, seen here in 2018, cheers on her then boyfriend during the 2018 World Cup competitionCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Annie has so far remained loyal to husband Kyle WalkerCredit: Instagram
    Cops seized CCTV footage of Walker’s drunken antics
    Fuming Becky, 41, wife of Leicester City ace Jamie, 36, hit out after model Annie Kilner, 30, told pals she was furious over an Instagram post that she believed appeared to make fun of her turmoil.
    But Becky – slammed by a judge over her conduct during the Wagatha Christie libel battle with Coleen Rooney, hit back by posting a brutal reply.
    It was accompanied by Michael Jackson’s hit Smooth Criminal, with the lyrics ‘Annie, are you okay? So, Annie, are you okay? Are you okay, Annie?’
    Becky wrote: “Waking up this morning to my name being associated with this delightful story in yet another opportunity to attack me!
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    “Funny though isn’t it that it’s my name she wants to use rather than the people actually laughing at her for being a doormat.
    “Art of deflection to a T… great at playing the victim is our Annie.
    “I think she needs to focus with what’s going on in her own life instead of trying to attack me by bringing me into her drama (laughing emoji).
    “Believe me had it been about her I would have tagged her! She’s obsessed… I’m literally tired of being nice to people with short memories.
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    “I’ve stayed silent while she’s bashed me in the media made lies up about me in her little community like a group of playground bullies! Just leave me alone.”
    Police spoke to staff at Revolution in Wilmslow, Cheshire, which Walker, two women plus male friends visited from 5.20pm to 7pm on Sunday.
    Other CCTV clips showed him pawing at one of the women and snogging her.
    Officers could interview the £150,000-a-week star under caution for indecent exposure, which carries a maximum two-year jail term.
    Walker could also be quizzed for outraging public decency, a common law offence that carries an unlimited fine and jail term.
    To prove their case police would need to demonstrate that two or more people were nearby when the “lewd, obscene or disgusting” act was committed.
    They do not necessarily need to have seen it, so long as there was potential for offence.
    Loyal Annie was left in the dark by the England and Manchester City footballer until The Sun broke the story.
    Walker has three sons with model wife Annie.
    She has stood by the player through heartbreaking sex scandals but is now said to be considering her future.
    A source said: “Annie knew what she signed up for when she married him.
    “She’s terrified of a police investigation and if that happened she would surely feel like she had to chuck him out. At the moment that hasn’t happened.
    “She’s worried about what others will be saying and thinking about her, and is mortified for their kids.
    “Kyle has assured Annie that City have it in hand and all will be fine. But it’s yet another humiliation for them all.”
    Read More on The Sun
    The couple secretly wed at Mottram Hall, Cheshire, in November 2021 despite him admitting fathering a child with model and influencer Lauryn Goodman.
    And in 2019, Ex on the Beach star Laura Brown claimed she and Walker romped in his Bentley.
    Becky lashed back on Instagram as she slammed Annie
    Becky fumed in her Instagram posts
    Loyal wife Annie has had to put up with Walker cheating on her with other womenCredit: BackGrid
    Cops have launched an investigation into Man City’s WalkerCredit: Getty
    The boozed-up defender paws at a woman in the video More

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    Police launch flashing inquiry into Kyle Walker & seize CCTV of his drunken antics

    POLICE yesterday began a flashing inquiry into England’s Kyle Walker and seized CCTV footage of his drunken antics.The married ace, 32, was at Man City training — but club bosses cancelled talks over a contract extension.
    Police have launched a flashing inquiry into England’s Kyle WalkerCredit: Getty
    Cops seized CCTV footage of Walker’s drunken antics
    The boozed-up defender paws at a woman in the video
    Two officers spoke to bar staff in Cheshire and could interview the £150,000-a-week star under caution for indecent exposure, which carries a maximum two-year jail term.
    Walker could also be quizzed for outraging public decency, a common law offence that carries an unlimited fine and jail term.
    To prove their case police would need to demonstrate that two or more people were nearby when the “lewd, obscene or disgusting” act was committed.
    They do not necessarily need to have seen it, so long as there was potential for offence.
    Read More on Kyle Walker
    Cheshire Police last night said inquiries were at an early stage and that no arrests had been made.
    Walker, who has three sons with model wife Annie, was due to hold talks today in a bid to extend his City contract beyond June 2024.
    But bosses cancelled the meeting with immediate effect.
    A source said the player appeared more concerned that the investigation would derail a deal than the threat of court.
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    They added: “His reaction sums him up perfectly.
    “He appears to be not concerned about the embarrassment this has caused his family, the club and their fans. What he appears really worried about is whether this will damage his chances of a contract extension.
    “That’s the problem right there. It demonstrates a complete contempt for what he’s done and the rules the rest of us have to abide by.”
    Police spoke to staff at Revolution in Wilmslow, Cheshire, which Walker, two women plus male friends visited from 5.20pm to 7pm on Sunday.
    Other clips showed him pawing at one of the women and snogging her.
    City refused to address the scandal publicly yesterday, insisting his behaviour was a personal matter.
    They said privately that Walker had not broken any club rules — despite footage clearly showing him exposing himself.
    Women’s Aid, which campaigns against domestic abuse, said: “Indecent exposure is a serious issue, and those who expose themselves purposely in a public place will be seeing what they can get away with.
    “If employers, including football clubs, do not take it seriously, it sends out a clear message about what is acceptable behaviour.”
    Loyal wife Annie has had to put up with Walker cheating on her with other womenCredit: BackGrid
    Cops leave Revolution bar in Wilmslow, CheshireCredit: Zenpix
    Walker at training with Man City yesterdayCredit: Twitter – @footballdaily More

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    We hate living near major Premier League ground… parking is a nightmare, our cars get damaged by fans & cops won’t help

    RESIDENTS living near a major Premier League ground say that parking is a nightmare and that fans keep damaging their cars – but cops won’t help.Chaotic parking, road closures and a mass of noisy sports fans near the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium have left residents furious. 
    Residents have slammed the chaotic parking around Tottenham Hotspur’s stadiumCredit: Getty
    Concerned resident Mukhtar Laiche has lived in the area for 11 yearsCredit: Louis Wood
    One local, who wished not to be named, has been affected first hand by rowdy crowds when her car wing mirror got knocked off by football fans. 
    The resident lives along Bromley Road, which is often used to herd football fans as security tries to separate the home and away supporters. 
    She said: “This road is sometimes where they herd fans through so it is always very busy with people.
    “They can be trouble. Our car wing mirror got whacked and broken and when we went to the police they just said ‘you have car insurance’.”
    Read More Football
    For events, the roads around the area are closed, making it difficult for residents to get out or in.
    The local added: “My husband had to go to work one day and he couldn’t get out. 
    Most read in The Sun
    “He had to argue with the stewards because he had to go to work and they wouldn’t budge. 
    “In the end he was allowed to go but it shouldn’t have to take him arguing to go to work.”
    Parking also is challenging during game days, when some residents are forced to park far from their houses because visitors take over the spaces. 
    The disgruntled local said: “You can get permits to park but it is normally not near the house and it is hard to find spaces.”
    As the chanting football fans or concert goers meander past, it’s impossible to not hear them. 
    She said: “It’s extremely noisy when the fans are herded down the road but they are not always too bad. It depends on the game really. 
    “The times we worry is when we have a football team that is kind of local like Arsenal. Then the crowds can be bad.
    “We complain but nothing really happens.”
    Another resident said: “The road is closed all the way to Seven Sisters so I see that it can be inconvenient. 
    “And the tubes and trains are completely over crowded making travelling anywhere from here difficult.”
    “There are sometimes some crazy people and when they congregate together they can be more boisterous.”
    Local Codon Traian, 40, dreads big game days. 
    He said: “There is a lot of noise and it can be dangerous because there are fights.
    “People smash those Corona bottles so it is bad sometimes.”
    While the construction worker does not feel worried going out on game days, he does fear for his son.
    He added: “I don’t feel scared but I do have a son and I would be scared for him.”
    One resident, who didn’t want to be named, shared this opinion and simply said: “It’s absolutely terrible.”
    Not all residents mind living next door to Spurs.
    Sarah Ring, 30, said: “I think it’s great having it there. 
    “There are so many events available for residents – they even do career days. 
    “It’s great going down there when events are on as they have lots of markets so it’s really fun to take the kids.
    “It’s very safe during big events. There are so many stewards. It feels very safe.”
    The mum said: “It’s a really good system. They put letters through our doors about upcoming events so we are prepared. 
    “Road signs are put up too telling us which roads will close and they are very quick when the event has finished to move the barriers and put everything back to normal.
    “When the new stadium was built they ensured that there was a level of sound proofing.” 
    Sarah added: “It’s not as loud with the new stadium, you can’t hear it really and when you can it doesn’t bother me.
    Read More on The Sun
    “The club has really boosted the area and I’m sure pushed up the value of houses as more is going on here now.”
    Tottenham Hotspur and the Metropolitan Police have been contacted for comment.
    Sarah Ring has defended the stadium against its local detractorsCredit: Louis Wood
    Resident Susan Broad is more positive about the stadium than many residentsCredit: Louis Wood
    Rowdy fans have damaged residents’ cars in the area around the new Spurs groundCredit: Rex More

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    Dortmund fans storm Stamford Bridge barriers before Chelsea clash as thousands march through streets of London

    DORTMUND fans stormed barriers to get into Stamford Bridge ahead of their delayed clash with Chelsea.The Blues trail 1-0 down from the first leg against the German giants in the Champions League last-16 tie.
    Thousands of fans marched to Stamford Bridge amid a heavy police presenceCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    Dortmund supporters stormed security cordons at Stamford BridgeCredit: Rex
    Blue flares were let off as cops struggled to hold back the crowds outsideCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun

    But victory over Leeds at the weekend sees Graham Potter and his side head into tonight’s second leg with renewed confidence.
    However, the match was DELAYED by ten minutes following the late arrival of the German giants.
    They turned up nearly 30 minutes late due to major congestion around Stamford Bridge, which was in part caused by thousands of fans of both teams walking through the streets of West London.
    Dortmund’s late arrival left them with less than an hour to prepare for the second leg of the tie – which was delayed by ten minutes.
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    Supporters were spotted “scrambling over the barriers outside the ground in chaotic scenes” prior to the match.
    And an unknown number appear to have gained entry into the stadium without a ticket.
    Manager Edin Terezic said of his side’s later arrival: “We had a bit of a delay but we are here and ready to fight for the next round.
    “We didn’t know if we would start on time or if there will be a delay to kick off, it is disturbing a lot.”
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    The Chelsea team received a warm welcome as home fans let off a blue flare to welcome the team coach to Stamford Bridge.
    However, Dortmund are also set to have a huge backing and the capital has already seen them take over.
    The thousands of travelling supporters, led by cops, marched through the streets of London towards the ground before kick off as they performed renditions of their favourite anthems.
    However, tensions began to mount outside the stadium according to those on the scene as they were held by police before later it emerged a number had stormed the cordons.
    Journalist Matt Pearson tweeted a photo of the jam-packed streets and wrote: “Thousands of Borussia Dortmund fans being held behind a police cordon ahead of #CHEBVB.
    “Couple of little skirmishes, it’s been a long wait.”
    Meanwhile, Potter has made two changes for the showdown.
    Reece James returns at right-wing back in place of Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
    And Marc Cucurella is starting at left-centre back in place of Benoit Badiashile.
    Read More on The Sun
    For Dortmund, Raphael Guerreiro comes in for Julian Ryerson at left-wing back.
    Otherwise, BVB are unchanged following their 2-1 win against RB Leipzig with England star Jude Bellingham starting in midfield for them.
    Thousands of supporters lined the streets of West LondonCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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    Blackpool fan Tony Johnson dies after Burnley brawl as club pays tribute

    A FOOTBALL fan has died after a brawl broke out between Blackpool and Burnley supporters on Saturday night. Tony Johnson, 55, was rushed to hospital in a critical condition following the fight and sadly passed away this morning, Blackpool FC confirmed.
    Football fan Tony Johnson died after a brawl in BlackpoolCredit: GoFundMe
    A fight broke out outside The Manchester pub on Saturday nightCredit: Dave Nelson
    Police said 15 people were involvedCredit: Dave Nelson
    He suffered a head injury during the mass confrontation outside The Manchester pub in Blackpool following the 0-0 draw.
    A spokesperson for the club 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.
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    “All of the thoughts of everyone at the football club go out to Tony’s family and friends. Rest in peace, Tony.”
    The Armfield Club, an independent supporters club close to Bloomfield Road, added: “Tony was Blackpool through and through and one of the best friends ever likely to cross your path in life.
    “Devastated is an understatement.”
    Cops were called to the scene around 7pm – hours after the goalless game had finished.
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    Paramedics administered CPR before Tony was taken to hospital.
    A 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of wounding.
    Police are urging anyone with information or mobile or dashcam footage to come forward.
    DCI Tracey McMurdo said: “We are taking this incident extremely seriously and will do everything in our power to identify anybody who may have been involved.”
    Lancashire Police previously said: “The incident occurred at around 7pm, when an altercation broke out involving around 15 people outside The Manchester pub, at the junction of Lytham Road and the Promenade.
    “Officers were in the area of the pub following the Blackpool v Burnley football match and they attended and found a man had suffered a serious head injury.
    “They administered CPR and the man, aged in his 50s, was subsequently taken to hospital.
    “It is believed the altercation broke out between a number of football fans, with the man being injured as part of this incident.
    Read More on The Sun
    “At this time there is no suggestion he was specifically targeted.
    “An investigation has now been launched and we are working with both Blackpool and Burnley football clubs to establish who else was involved in the incident and what exactly occurred.” More