Bradford Soccer Disaster

May 11, 1985 - One of the worst disasters in British sports history happened on this day.  The main stands at Valley Parade Stadium burst into flames during a match between Bradford City and Lincoln City. 56 people died and 265 were injured.

Ironically the tragedy came as the Bradford fans were celebrating the presentation of the Championship trophy to their hometown team captain, Peter Jackson.

The cause of the fire was probably a dropped match or cigarette that ignited accumulated trash beneath the antiquated wooden stands.