A jigsaw of a graphic photograph of the devastating Bradford City fire which claimed 56 lives has been withdrawn from sale after outraged fans branded it “sick”.
The bizarre item was being sold through the massive online retailer Amazon.co.uk, which is thought to have been acting as a vendor for a third-party company.
On Friday night outraged fans noticed the item for sale, and within 24 hours Amazon had removed it.
A spokesman for the retailer said the site was investigating the item. Amazon does, in some cases, sell products via its website but which originate with other companies.
Bradford City secretary Jon Pollard said the club was intending to determine who was actually selling the jigsaw – thought to be of a news picture showing the devastation of the blaze in 1985 – and would be speaking to the manufacturer about it this week.
He said: “We are very disappointed that someone has tried to get commercial gain from such a disaster – it’s ridiculous.
“We are glad it has been removed and we will take it up with the company this week.
“You cannot get commercial gain from something like that.”
The fire in the main stand at Valley Parade claimed the lives of 56 people and injured another 300 when the tragedy struck just before half-time against Lincoln City on May 11, 1985.
Comments posted to internet message boards devoted to Bradford City Football Club showed the anger of fans.
One poster had written: “How the hell has this been produced?? What is wrong with people?
“He’s even trying to sell the fact that people died.
“Hopefully this will be removed now the club has been informed.”
Another wrote: “I fail to see what use these pictures or the fire jigsaw would serve anyone, surely there can’t be a market for these things?”
On the official Bradford City forums another incensed fan said: “It’s the fact they have the cheek to turn it into a jigsaw, a game. That got me angry. If it was the photo itself I could live with it as it is evidence. History. No matter how bad. I’m just annoyed it’s been turned into a game.”
Bradford City Supporters Trust chairman Alan Carling also said he was glad the jigsaw had been taken down from the website.
He said: “I think it is reprehensible that people should try to exploit the disaster either for commercial gain or sensationalism.
“When this has happened in the past we have managed to persuade the company to take down the offending items and I am glad the same thing has happened this time.”
e-mail: james.rush @telegraphandargus.co.uk
