(Manchester United News)
This weekend, the Premier League and its member clubs will commemorate all those who were affected by the fire disaster at Bradford City FC on 11 May 1985.
Fifty-six people did not return home from a football match that day. Two of the casualties were supporters of Lincoln City - Bradford’s opponents for the last game of the 1984/85 season - and eleven were children. Hundreds more spectators were injured.
In solidarity with Bradford City as they prepare to play their last home game of the season on Saturday 25 April, all Barclays Premier League fixtures across the weekend of 25/26 April will be preceded with a minute’s silence.
Peter McCormick, the Premier League's acting chairman, said: “The Bradford fire was one of the most terrible tragedies ever to strike English football. It will be forever remembered by all football fans not only for the loss of the life but also for the many acts of bravery by the emergency services and the fans themselves.”
At this time, the Premier League is also restating its commitment to the safety of fans, who should never again be exposed to the kind of risks that led to the Bradford tragedy.
The Premier League is also fundraising for Bradford City FC’s chosen charity, the Bradford University Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit (PSBRU). In January, the Premier League made a donation of £25,000 to the PSBRU and continues to support Bradford’s fundraising efforts throughout April. The Premier League will match the donations raised through bucket collections at the grounds of its member clubs across this commemorative April weekend.
The existence of the PSBRU – known also as ‘the Bradford Burns Unit’ – stands as a lasting memorial, and a living legacy, of the fire disaster. It depends entirely on public donations for its continued survival.
