Bradford City mark 40-year anniversary of fire disaster by winning promotion | OneFootball

Bradford City claimed an emotional late victory over Fleetwood Town to win promotion to League One this afternoon.

The Bantams look destined to drop into the League Two play-offs with Walsall winning at Crewe Alexandra, but the football gods were shining down on them.

Antoni Sarcevic redirected a George Lapslie shot into the bottom corner deep into stoppage time, sparking wild celebrations at Valley Parade.

Elated home fans invaded the pitch, and it took over 15 minutes for the game to be completed, with the players initially being taken off the field.

They eventually returned to play the final few seconds before the referee blew the final whistle to trigger more celebrations.

While it was fitting that Sarcevic scored the winner, it was undoubtedly one of the scruffiest goals he has ever scored.

The 33-year-old is a fourth-tier promotion specialist, having previously helped Fleetwood Town, Plymouth Argyle, Bolton Wanderers and Stockport County climb into League One.

Bradford’s promotion is a fitting end to a season which has been played against the backdrop of a sad landmark in the club’s history.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the devastating fire at Valley Parade on May 11, 1985, which claimed fifty-six lives and left many other injured and scarred.

The anniversary will be remembered next weekend, with people in the city coming together to pay tribute to those who were lost and injured.

The annual memorial service will take place at the Bradford City Fire Disaster sculpture to recognise the efforts of those who acted selflessly in the service of others and reflect on its impact on the city.

Although winning promotion will not change what happened 40 years ago, it is a wonderful way to honour everyone impacted by the tragedy.