Family's tribute to Blackburn Rovers fan

John Taylor's girlfriend said he had been looking forward to the match

The family of a football fan who died after being found unconscious at Stoke City's Britannia Stadium have spoken of their loss.

John Taylor was found in the South Stand concourse, which was being used by visiting fans, during Stoke City's match against Blackburn on Saturday.

Post-mortem tests revealed that Mr Taylor, 30, of Avallon Way, Darwen, Lancashire, died of a head injury.

His family described him as a "perfect and brilliant dad".

'Life ruined'

"He was the best dad in the world, just the kind of person you wanted to be with all the time," his girlfriend Katy Busby and young son Jacob Taylor said in a statement.

"He was the life and soul of every party, everyone knew him. He lived for his weekends, going to football.

"I just feel like my life is ruined," Ms Busby added.

His family said Mr Taylor was a life-long Blackburn Rovers fan and had been looking forward to going to the match all the week before.

Police have appealed for witnesses, particularly any mobile phone footage of the incident.

He is thought to have been hit on the head with a bin.

A 25-year-old man from Preston, Lancashire, has been questioned and bailed over the death.