ON May 11, 1985, Bradford City played the last game of a season in which the club was crowned champions of the Third Division.
Terry Yorath’s team had played 46 matches, winning 28 games and the title by four clear points from Millwall.
The Bantams’ opponents that day were Lincoln City. A capacity crowd of more than 11,000 filled the old Valley Parade to celebrate.
But shortly before half-time, with City playing towards the old uncovered Kop end, a small fire started in the main stand. A breeze caught the flames and soon the roof was alight.
Thick black oily smoke spiralled upwards as the underside of the tarred roof ignited.
The stand was evacuated, spectators spilling on to the pitch to escape the blaze.
But those who tried to exit the stadium via the back of the stand found most of the turnstiles locked. They were overcome by smoke, heat and noxious fumes.
That was where most of the 56 who perished suffered their fatal injuries. Hundreds more suffered severe burns.
But it was not until much later that day that the true scale of one of the worst disasters in British football history become shockingly clear.
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