Investigation into fan’s ‘sick’ chants at match
NEWPORT County FC have launched an investigation after claims a fan shouted “burn Bradford burn” at the away side on Saturday.
The club said they were “aware” of an incident on Hazel Terrace at Rodney Parade during the match which saw Newport win 2-1 over Bradford.
Yesterday Bradford City manager Stuart McCall described how a man shouted “burn Bradford burn” - referencing the 1986 tragedy where 56 people died at Valley Parade after a stand caught fire.
The former Bradford player was on the field when the fire killed 54 Bradford supporters and two Lincoln fans, as well as badly injuring his own father.
Speaking to the Telegraph and Argus, McCall said: “There was just one sick individual and he wasn’t young.
“He shouted, ‘burn Bradford burn’ and that’s when I just flipped and told him to come and say that to me outside.
“It was those three words that got me.
“He was waving a Leeds flag but that didn’t bother me. He just kept going, ‘Leeds, Leeds,’ which had no relevance to anything.
“I was just ignoring it and hoping he would go away.
But then when I did turn round and he shouted, ‘burn Bradford burn,’ that’s when I couldn’t hold back.
“That split-second was probably the nearest time in my head that I’ve ever got into getting involved. Again, a few seconds later he had
Josh Sheehan of Newport County gets a shot on goal as Newport beat Bradford City on Saturday – but the victory was marred by allegations of a fan’s offensive chanting. Inset: Bradford manager Stuart McCall thankfully disappeared.
“It didn’t matter whether he was singing about Leeds or whatever he wanted. It’s water off a duck’s back. “But hearing him shout like that about the fire was probably the sickest thing I’ve heard at a game.”
In a statement issued on Monday, Newport County AFC said it was working with Bradford City to investigate the matter.
It read: “NCAFC are aware of an incident that took place on the Hazel Terrace during our Sky Bet League Two victory at Rodney Parade on Saturday 22nd February.
“The club are currently conducting an investigation working with the relevant authorities, stakeholders and Bradford City AFC regarding this matter and hope to publish the results of the findings as soon as possible.
“NCAFC would like to reiterate our no-tolerance stance on discriminatory behaviour and assure our supporters that we will continue to create an inclusive, welcoming environment for all.”