Bradford City AFC and police hunt Facebook user over sick Valley Parade fire post
Bradford City and Walsall FC are working with police to trace a social media user over an offensive post about the Valley Parade fire.
Following Bradford's 3-0 victory over Walsall at the University of Bradford Stadium in League Two on Saturday, January 25, police action was initiated due to remarks by a Facebook user. The post referred to he Valley Parade fire, which killed 56 people.
The tragic blaze erupted in a wooden stand at Valley Parade on May 11, 1985, during a match with Lincoln. This catastrophic event led to the Popplewell Inquiry into safety at sports grounds across the UK.
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A statement on Bradford's official site said: "Bradford City AFC are aware of social media comments made following Saturday's game and are working alongside West Yorkshire Police, West Midlands Police and Walsall FC to identify the individual."
The club also reiterated a firm stance against any form of abuse or discrimination, including tragedy chanting, stating: "The club would like to remind everyone that we have a zero tolerance policy towards any form of abuse or discrimination, including tragedy chanting, and condemn it in the strongest possible manner.
"There will be an update if relevant in due course."
Walsall echoed these sentiments on their own website, asserting they would exert every effort to pinpoint the offender: "We are aware of a comment from an individual that was posted on social media over the weekend following Saturday's match at Bradford City.
"We are currently working with the authorities to identify the individual involved."
Furthermore, Walsall expressed that such conduct is entirely proscribed: "Comments of such nature are unacceptable and will not be tolerated at Walsall Football Club."
They underlined the club's mission to foster a welcoming environment: "We pride ourselves in being a family-friendly and inclusive club and appreciate that the vast majority of our supporters behave respectfully.
"Anyone with any information should contact PC Chris McComisky at West Midlands Police by emailing chris.mccomisky@westmidlands.police.uk."
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