Bradford City has taken action against 40 so-called fans, after yobs marred the 25th anniversary of the Valley Parade fire disaster by invading the pitch

The club has issued lifetime bans to four supporters following the incident at the final home game of last season, against Northampton, on May 1.

A further 20 fans have been banned from matches in the coming season and another 16 have been issued with good behaviour contracts, which they have to sign before entering the stadium again.

City says it will continue to try to identify others involved in the incident when the new season kicks off.

The club released images of the offending fans following the game and urged genuine supporters to identify them. Some of the culprits who went on the pitch, also taunted away fans, and some Northampton fans were harassed outside the ground.

Yesterday the club issued a statement following the conclusion of its investigation into the pitch invasion.

It said: “Bradford City moved quickly to act, following unsavoury scenes at the club’s final home game of the last season, versus Northampton Town.

“Using CCTV footage and a press campaign, the club has been able to identify many of the people who went onto the pitch.

“Each case has been taken on its own merits and many meetings have been held with those on the pitch and, in some cases, with their parents.

“As a result, sanctions have been taken against 40 people.

“While the club is now keen to draw a line under the scenes of May 1, the work to identify others involved in those problems will go into the new season.

“The club’s CCTV systems have been enhanced further during the close season and this will enable the club to keep monitoring the behaviour of spectators to a higher level than has ever been possible at the stadium in the past.”

A club spokesman added: “We were delighted with the support of the majority of Bradford City supporters for the campaign we launched after the Northampton Town game.

“The efforts we have made, and will continue to make in the new season, will help to ensure that the games can be enjoyed by everyone attending the stadium.

“Everyone here is buzzing in anticipation of a great season which will be made even better by true fans showing their support for the team in the right manner and doing nothing to damage the image or reputation of Bradford City FC.”