Bradford City fan returns to Valley Parade for first time since tragic stadium fire

YouTube channel Copa90 captured Alec Jackson's emotional return to Valley Parade

More than 30 years after Bradford City's stadium fire, one fan has finally decided to return to his beloved club.

81-year-old Alec Jackson hasn't watched his cherished team play since that day in 1985, when an entire stand of the Valley Parade ground became engulfed in flames.

YouTube channel Copa90 decided to offer Alec the chance to see Bradford City again, recording how it provided him and his son the chance to reconcile after many years.

On Saturday May 11th 1985, Bradford City were due to play out a game of little competition, having already won the Third Division League Trophy. The day of celebration changed into one of tragedy within moments as an entire stand was alight within four minutes.

56 people died from the incident, which also left over 250 injured. Many fans still bear the scars of that day, physical and mental.

Alec was one such fan, having been emotionally unable to attend a game thereafter he missed out on the club's glory days in the Premier League as well as a League Cup final.

By looking at one man's reunion with the live game, it is easy to see why football is such a great part of both the national and individual British identity.