A DAD has spoken of how traumatised and petrified his five-year-old child was when a flare almost hit her during a Bradford City match at Valley Parade.

Jonnie Carrington, 33, was taking daughter Elise-Mae Carrington to only her second ever game on Saturday for the Bantams' hosting of Newport Country.

A pyrotechnic lobbed from the top of the Kop turned what was supposed to be a jubilant and happy occasion sour.

The mindless act was committed in the aftermath of Harry Chapman's 53rd-minute goal.

"Smoke was everywhere, I could just hear Elise screaming and crying," Jonnie, who has been going to watch City for most of his life, said.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Elise has been promised a cuddle with Billy the Bantam at the next home gameElise has been promised a cuddle with Billy the Bantam at the next home game

"The flare had bounced off a fellow supporter's arm and into the seats below where we were sat.

"I have never seen a flare before in the home end. It is just out of respect to what happened in 85'.

"We usually sit next to a family who has young children so I am glad they were not there this time."

Yesterday, it was made clear that the police are working with the club to identify the people involved in the incident.

Jonnie says it was a supporter's bottle of water which resulted in the flare going out.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The flare was thrown from the top tier of the Kop after City's second goal against NewportThe flare was thrown from the top tier of the Kop after City's second goal against Newport (Image: Newsquest)

Although Elise was thankfully not injured, her father is worried about the emotional scars it may have left her with.

He added: "Elise was petrified and traumatised by the whole experience.

"City has offered us everything but all Elise wanted was a cuddle from Billy the Bantam, which will happen at the Crewe game (on Saturday, August 27).

"She is fine now but I worry as to what she will be like the morning of the game if it has left her with any emotional scars."

Jonnie took Elise to see the memorial of the 1985 Valley Parade fire before last weekend's game to educate her on what happened.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The memorial at Valley ParadeThe memorial at Valley Parade

The NHS worker now hopes whoever threw the object is taught similar once they have apologised directly to his daughter.

"I just want those who threw it to look Elise in the eyes and apologise to her," Jonnie said.

"The average age in that block it came from is around 19. Get them to sit in front of the memorial with some of the victims and educate them.

"If what happened on Saturday has put one person off from going to City, then it has ruined it for everyone."