Centenary Square hosted thousands of passionate Bantams fans that flocked to the city centre to celebrate their dramatic promotion to League 1.
Antoni Sarcevic’s 96th minute winner against Fleetwood on Saturday secured the side’s first promotion to England’s third division since 2013, with fans invading the pitch upon the full time whistle to celebrate with the players. Fans witnessed the Bantam of the Opera Choir perform, with the iconic claret and ember emblazoned on thousands of fans shirts. Flares were lit alongside chants from the Bantam’s faithful that provided a brilliant atmosphere for those that attended.
This week marks a historical one in the history of Bradford with the infamous Valley Parade fire taking place 40 years ago on Saturday. The event claimed the lives of 56 Bradford fans, and injured a further 265. It is believed the fire was caused by a discarded cigarette that set the wooden stand ablaze, leading to fans jumping onto the pitch for safety.
The Bantams held a commemoration prior to their final league game of the season, with the players laying wreaths on the centre circle in order to commemorate the victims. A minute’s silence was also held, with players also wearing jackets featuring a remembrance ribbon that will be auctioned post match to raise funds for the Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit.
The memory of this tragedy is sure to have made the celebrations last night all the more poignant.