![]() ![]() The clubs would not face each other in league action until 7th September 2007, and at the Valley Parade on 26th December as part of the 2007/08 League 2 season. īecause of the disaster, and with the game not meaning much for both clubs before the blaze, the Football League made the 0-0 draw official and thus gave both teams a point each. These included 28 police officers and 22 supporters who helped save at least one life and received commendations for their actions. In a day of tragedy, many were also deemed heroes. In total, 56 people died, while another 256 were injured, including by flaming debris that fell from the stand onto the pitch below. Another man had been able to walk onto the pitch but was completely engulfed, ultimately perishing from his injuries despite police and spectators desperately trying to save him by smothering the flames. Additionally, 27 were found dead in the area surrounding exit K and the turnstiles 6-9, with others also being crushed in that area. Among them included an elderly couple who died in their seats. In less than four minutes however, the fire had engulfed the entirety of the stand, trapping most who had yet to escape. The majority of fans were able to run out of the stands and onto the pitch as there was no fencing that could have triggered a human crush similar to the 1989 Hillsborough disaster. There were no extinguishers within the passageway because of concern over them being vandalised. Because it was windy on the day, the fire quickly spread and turned into an inferno within minutes. Attempts to extinguish it, including by pouring coffee over the small fire, failed. The fire was triggered by an Australian man who accidentally dropped a lit cigarette under the stands, which landed onto the debris below. Bradford City Stadium Fire Īt the 40th-minute mark, the game was immediately called off by referee Don Shaw, when a fire broke out on Block G of the stands. This was to the displeasure of the crowd, who were seeking a satisfactory ending to Bradford's successful season. The match was described by BBC Sport as "a drab affair with neither team threatening to score", perhaps because both sides had little to play for in this match. Because of the events following the game, little attention was given surrounding the match itself, with television cameras were only situated so that the trophy presentation could be captured. Prior to kick-off, Bradford's captain Peter Jackson was given the trophy by Dick Wragg, Football League's Life President, which would be the club's first silverware in 56 years. Among changes included converting the wooden terracing to concrete, and to clear up the litter that had fallen beneath the stands, which was deemed to be a fire risk. Aside from the clear celebrations the day would bring, with 11,076 fans in its Valley Parade Stadium, Bradford were also seeking to refurbish its ground, as it had been deemed "inadequate in so many ways for modern requirements" according to the Telegraph & Argus. Meanwhile, Lincoln City had ensured that they were safe from relegation to the Fourth Division. Heading into the match, Bradford City had confirmed themselves as champions of the 1984/85 Third Division, having beaten Bolton Wanderers 2-0. ![]()
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