Salford City FC have issued an apology to Bradford City AFC after an offensive remark relating to a historic club tragedy was posted on social media.
A member of the Greater Manchester side’s “casual matchday staff” was reported to online and to the club after making reference to the Valley Parade Fire, a disaster which took place at Bradford’s home stadium back in 1985 where 56 people tragically died.
Issuing a statement after the disgusting joke, Salford informed fans that they had been made aware of the comment, adding that “an internal disciplinary procedure will now commence and appropriate sanctions made.”
The League Two club, who could be set to face Bradford in the playoff final, assured that they “do not tolerate the misuse of social media by staff, particularly to make such references to what was a terrible tragedy.”
A member of the club's casual matchday staff made a reference to the Valley Parade fire that killed 56 people.
Salford City have offered their deepest apologies to Bradford City and to the families who lost loved ones in the 1985 tragedy. #bcafchttps://t.co/1esJjCBcwy
The club went on to offer their “sincerest and deepest apologies to Bradford City AFC, its supporters, and the families and friends of victims of the Valley Parade fire tragedy”, adding that “no further comment will be made” at this time while the investigation is still ongoing.
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As for Bradford themselves, while fans have obviously been left disgusted, dubbing the comment as “shameful” and “appalling”, the Bantams have not yet issued any form of official response and simply retweeted Salford’s apology.
The offensive comments themslves are still visible online after being reshared by angry fans and neutrals alike, with many calling for more action when it comes to this kind of abuse.
Sadly, many different teams throughout world football have suffered historic disasters and given the tribalistic nature of fans, mocking them online and in innapropriate chants sang inside stadiums is a problem that is yet to be eradicated from the game.
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No one should ever go to a football match and not go home, nor should it be the subject of cruel humour.
Our thoughts go out to Bradford City fans and those affected by the remarks.
Alex Sanderson summons Rudyard Kipling as Sale Sharks scrape into the semi-finals
Danny Jones
Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson referenced the famous Rudyard Kipling after Sale Sharks managed to book their place in the playoffs of this year’s Gallagher Premiership following a nail-biter of a fixture against Exeter Chiefs.
The Sharks sealed their spot in the semi-finals with a 30-26 win over the Chiefs on Saturday night, with a trio of tries, a singular pen and calmness when it came to conversions proving just enough to make it to full time.
Speaking on the narrow score at Sandy Park, Sanderson himself applauded that same composure during his post-match duties, casually quoting Kipling ahead of the next big game.
Writing on social media after nerves had just about settled, the club simply said: “Apologies for raising the heart rate, Sharks Family… but Saturday we go again.”
Beginning with an expression of that same defiant spirit that has seen them across the line on so many occasions, the 45-year-old told TNT Sports, “We got another Monday in us.”
The Sale Sharks coach went on to add: “So if you can keep your head, when everybody else is losing theirs – I think that’s the old Rudyard Kipling poem – you’re in such a better place on the back of that, knowing what we can fix from the Leicester game and what we can do better from today.”
It’s not every day you hear sportsmen calling up the poetic words of the beloved British-India writer, but it certainly impressed plenty of supporters, though Sanderson has always been popular among fans for his candour and charisma in interviews.
Ultimately, it was Rekeiti Ma’asi-White, Bevan Rodd, Luke Cowan-Dickie and George Ford that the Greater Manchester outfit had to thank for the electrifying finish
You can see how much it meant, clear as day…
Not done yet…
Thank you for your support Sharks Family, it’s truly appreciated!
Sale Sharks will now take on Leicester Tigers (who the local side finished just behind in third place following the result against the Chiefs) in the Premiership semis as they look to get revenge for previous painful meetings
Are you feeling hopeful, Sharks Family?
You can see the full highlights from Sale Sharks’ tense victory over the Exeter Chiefs down below.
Alex Sanderson channelled Rudyard Kipling and Sale scrapped like true Sharks.
Luxury Manchester gym Blok confirms permanent closure after weeks of uncertainty
Daisy Jackson
Blok Manchester has announced its permanent closure, weeks after the doors to the premium fitness facility mysteriously closed.
Around a fortnight ago, members began to arrive to their classes to find the gym on Ducie Street locked up and a forfeiture notice on the door – but at the time, Blok said that it was fighting to reopen.
Sadly, in an email sent to members today, its founder has confirmed that the studio is now permanently closed.
Blok – which has several very successful sites down in London – said that its relationship with its landlord has ‘broken down to a point where trust has been lost’.
The gym wrote that it’s been left with ‘no workable way forward’.
They said: “BLOK Manchester was a space built by our loyal and dedicated community. Whether you joined us for one class or one hundred, we are deeply grateful. You helped create something genuinely special in an incredible city.”
In the immediate future, they said they’ll be supporting the team of fantastic trainers who worked here, as well as looking after members.
Members will be contacted within a few hours with options and refunds owed.
Blok Manchester has announced its permanent closure. Credit: The Manc Group
CEO and founder Ed Stanbury said: “While this marks the end of a chapter, we don’t see it as the end of our story in Manchester. We’re already speaking with developers about potential future sites and remain committed to returning to the city when the time is right.
“Thank you for being part of our story so far. Let’s shape the future of wellness. The mission continues.”
Commenting on Blok’s Instagram post – its first in almost a fortnight – people have been sharing their sadness at the closure of its Manchester site.
One person wrote: “beautiful space, beautiful staff and beautiful community.”
Another said: “Sending love to all the instructors !! :(((( gutted”
Someone else commented: “THE BEST CLASSES. I’m gutted.”
Danny Jones -
16th May 2023 
