The Bradford City Tragedy Anniversary
Discussion
Sad that today marks the 29th anniversary of one of British football's worst tragedies. 
56 supporters (54 from Bradford City and 2 from Lincoln City) died when the main stand caught alight during what was meant to be a match celebrating Bradford's fourth tier championship victory.
Really sad, without trying to be controversial, that there won't be any minute's silences at today's fixtures. It was equally tragic IMO as other tragedies but never gets the publicity. It was still the case that supporters went to that match to celebrate their team's achievements but never came home; I guess there wasn't ever quite the controversy surrounding the whole event as in other cases.
Either way, a sad day and one that deserves to be marked appropriately.
RIP the 56.
http://bradfordcityfire.co.uk/
56 supporters (54 from Bradford City and 2 from Lincoln City) died when the main stand caught alight during what was meant to be a match celebrating Bradford's fourth tier championship victory.
Really sad, without trying to be controversial, that there won't be any minute's silences at today's fixtures. It was equally tragic IMO as other tragedies but never gets the publicity. It was still the case that supporters went to that match to celebrate their team's achievements but never came home; I guess there wasn't ever quite the controversy surrounding the whole event as in other cases.
Either way, a sad day and one that deserves to be marked appropriately.
RIP the 56.
http://bradfordcityfire.co.uk/
I have to say, I agree.
I am going to the play off match at Derby today, and I think a mark of respect would be appropriate, as it is "to the day"
I visited Valley Parade to work at a non-football conference event a few years ago, and whilst there I visited the memorial.
Whilst taking a moment and reading through the names of those who lost their lives, I detected a strong smell of burning wood.
Just for a second, but I definitely smelled it - as did a work colleague who was with me.
The smell was gone as quick as it appeared.
It made my blood run cold.
RIP the 56.
I am going to the play off match at Derby today, and I think a mark of respect would be appropriate, as it is "to the day"
I visited Valley Parade to work at a non-football conference event a few years ago, and whilst there I visited the memorial.
Whilst taking a moment and reading through the names of those who lost their lives, I detected a strong smell of burning wood.
Just for a second, but I definitely smelled it - as did a work colleague who was with me.
The smell was gone as quick as it appeared.
It made my blood run cold.
RIP the 56.
Is it a matter of course for these tragedies to be remembered every year? Is Hillsborough marked every year by every club? HBoro just happens to be 25 years. 29th is not a significant anniversary. I agree it was an horrendous incident fhough and is largely forgotten about which is a shame as I too remember the awful TV pictures.
It was the speed with which the fire engulfed that stand that is most frightening.
A friend of mine works for the fire service, and says that the disaster is used regularly as an example as part of training.
Because Yorkshire TV were filming that match with multiple cameras, that is why such "good" footage exists which must have really helped for future fire training and stadium analysis.
Normally a lower league "nothing" match like that 29 years ago would have been lucky to get a single video camera filming it.
However, that footage does make quite harrowing viewing today.
A friend of mine works for the fire service, and says that the disaster is used regularly as an example as part of training.
Because Yorkshire TV were filming that match with multiple cameras, that is why such "good" footage exists which must have really helped for future fire training and stadium analysis.
Normally a lower league "nothing" match like that 29 years ago would have been lucky to get a single video camera filming it.
However, that footage does make quite harrowing viewing today.
GloverMart said:
Derby ended up scoring just as the applause was about to start so once the stadium quietened a little, they went for it and produced a wonderful tribute.... 
Yes... scored just at the wrong time.Once th applause started at 58 mins it caught on very quickly and everyone rose to their feet.
RIP those poor 56.
Meeja said:
GloverMart said:
Derby ended up scoring just as the applause was about to start so once the stadium quietened a little, they went for it and produced a wonderful tribute....
Yes... scored just at the wrong time.Once th applause started at 58 mins it caught on very quickly and everyone rose to their feet.
RIP those poor 56.
We then went and scored late in the sixth minute which then diluted Adam's applause.
Good stuff though, it came across really well on the telly and the commentators went into details as to why it was happening.
Gassing Station | Football | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff