Off Topic Remember the Bradford 56

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Staines R's

Staines R's

Well-Known Member
Aug 2, 2011
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Staines of course
31 years ago today there was a tragedy that quite often gets forgotten, the Bradford City Fire, in which 56 innocent lives were lost.
Anyone who remembers that day will recall the shock and horror of seeing live on TV, people being pulled out of that inferno while still on fire and the thought that it really could of been anyone one of us, as was the crap state of the vast majority of stadia at that time.
Sad that this appalling day is mostly forgotten
R.I.P the 56
 
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I remember watching the coverage on grandstand and raging as i knew because it was "only" football fans it wouldn't provoke the national outrage it should that every saturday 1000000's of us put our lives on the line just too watch a game of footy as no-one ,including the football authorites , seemed to care that we were herded like cattle into outdated unsafe unhygenic "centres of entertainment"

RIP the 56
one day justice may arrive for their families
 
Remember watching it unfold. Did anyone else see the documentary about it that was on about 6 months ago? A guy dropped a *** butt down a gap in the stand,as the smoke started to build he tried throwing his coffee down the gap,but alas to no avail.He was only there that day because a family member had got him a ticket,as he was over visiting them from Australia!Wrong place,wrong time,there but for the grace of god,just a shocking day waiting to happen with the state of many stadiums at that time!RIP the 56.
 
Well done Stainsey for reminding us.

I went to Valley Parade this season to watch Chesham in the FA Cup. Bradford City made quite a thing about Chesham players, officials & supporters visiting the memorial. This made me think that this has become a rare event for Football league clubs.

It was a very bad day for the country, never mind football.

RIP to all who suffered.
 
hammersmith junior said:
Remember watching it unfold. Did anyone else see the documentary about it that was on about 6 months ago? A guy dropped a *** butt down a gap in the stand,as the smoke started to build he tried throwing his coffee down the gap,but alas to no avail.He was only there that day because a family member had got him a ticket,as he was over visiting them from Australia!Wrong place,wrong time,there but for the grace of god,just a shocking day waiting to happen with the state of many stadiums at that time!RIP the 56.
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Funny you mention that about the visiting Australian who was alleged to of started the fire with a cigarette butt.
The fella who was accused of it was called Eric Bennett, and his family have vehemently denied he was responsible. Seems this version of events was spread by a DI in the police who is no stranger to controversy himself. A sad story whichever way.
 
Staines R's said:
Funny you mention that about the visiting Australian who was alleged to of started the fire with a cigarette butt.
The fella who was accused of it was called Eric Bennett, and his family have vehemently denied he was responsible. Seems this version of events was spread by a DI in the police who is no stranger to controversy himself. A sad story whichever way.
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Saw the documentary and not surprised about the denial from the family. RIP those who tragically lost their lives.
 
I remember watching it on TV and I was a steward at LR at the time, we had to do a fire fighting course at the start of the following season, as part of the course we had to sit through the whole video again (which included parts which couldn't be broadcast).
Terrible day
RIP the 56
 
KentGaz said:
I remember watching it on TV and I was a steward at LR at the time, we had to do a fire fighting course at the start of the following season, as part of the course we had to sit through the whole video again (which included parts which couldn't be broadcast).
Terrible day
RIP the 56
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I used to run the firefighting for stewards course at LR Gaz, and also at Millwall & Charlton. There was always an eerie silence when the video finished playing.

RIP to the 56, and thoughts to all those that were affected by the tragedy.
 
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durbar2003 said:
Not even close but who remembers when the Ellerslie Road stand was set on fire by the Millwall supporters?
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I really don't remember that happening....when was it, fella ?

For anyone interested, there are videos. On 'YouTube' of the Yorkshire TV broadcast with John Helm commentating the unfolding events.
Brought back some sad memories that only seemed like yesterday and I won't lie, It brought a tear or two to my eyes.
 
Staines R's said:
I really don't remember that happening....when was it, fella ?

For anyone interested, there are videos. On 'YouTube' of the Yorkshire TV broadcast with John Helm commentating the unfolding events.
Brought back some sad memories that only seemed like yesterday and I won't lie, It brought a tear or two to my eyes.
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Not sure but must have been early 60s.
 
Staines R's said:
Ahh....well before my time....Sounds like Millwalls idea of fun
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It was top left by the School end. Obviously wasn't too bad but I think the new stand was built soon afterwords to replace the old wooden one. I think TeD was there and got his chestnuts roasted.
 
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