Bradford City AFC condemns the use of multiple pyrotechnic devices during last night’s game against Crewe Alexandra.
After both of City’s goals were scored, several flares were deployed from the Whitby Morrison Ice Cream Van Stand where a section of away supporters were housed, causing lengthy delays in play as the two teams were temporarily taken from the field by referee Adam Herczeg, and prompting another FA investigation.
Four investigations are currently ongoing following recent home and away fixtures, as a result of missiles being thrown onto the pitch against Gillingham at the University of Bradford Stadium, and pyrotechnic devices being deployed at Northampton, Rochdale and, most recently, Crewe.
Arrests were made at last night’s match, and football banning orders at the club now stand at a record high, resulting in increased policing costs, damaging the club’s financial position. More than a dozen season tickets were seized prior to supporters entering the stadium against Gillingham.
Ahead of City’s final game of the regular Sky Bet League Two season on Monday (May 8, 12.30pm) - our annual memorial fixture marking the 38th anniversary of the Valley Parade Fire Disaster - the club would like to remind supporters of the severity of using pyrotechnic devices.
On what is always a hugely significant day for Bradford City, it is important for us to pay our respects to the 56 people who tragically lost their lives on 11th May 1985.
Pyrotechnics are strictly forbidden, and the strongest-possible action will be taken against those found using them.
Please consider your fellow supporters’ safety, help us pay tribute to those who we lost on 11th May 1985, and do not bring pyrotechnic devices into the University of Bradford Stadium.
A further update on the FA’s ongoing investigations into crowd disorder will be issued in due course, with the club set to face fines and further punishments, including the potential of football governing bodies enforcing capacity and allocation restrictions.