Carlisle United distance themselves from fans who interrupted tribute to Bradford City fire victims

There was fury among the home supporters as the poignant tribute to the 56 people who died at the 1985 disaster was interrupted by someone in the away section.

Many in the 1,668 travelling support also expressed their disgust and dismay that the 37th anniversary was tarnished by the thoughtless behaviour.

A minority also booed the rendition of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' which played as the teams took to the field, with both captains laying wreaths.

The interruption to the minute's silence came towards the end of the 60-second remembrance which took place before kick-off.

United, shortly afterwards, used their social media channels to say: "We can assure everyone connected with Bradford City that the actions of a few do not reflect the sentiments or feelings of the many. We will remember them."

The majority of the big travelling support had shown respect to the fire victims, with a bucket collection being held at the game and some Blues fans visiting the memorial outside the ground to the 56 who lost their lives.

United fans Jo, Carol and Michelle Merrie pay their respects at the memorial to the 56 fire victims at Valley Parade

United manager Paul Simpson said afterwards: "People were rightly angered.

"It’s really sad – what did we have here, 1700 fans, and we’ve got one supporter out of 1,700 fans who makes a noise. Unfortunately they all get tarnished with that brush.

"The others absolutely respected the minute’s silence, I actually just hope that that lad who shouted didn’t know what was going on and walked in late and didn’t realise it.

"I’m just trying to make an excuse for him, I don’t know. But rightly he got booed for it and I think even our fans were telling him to shut up.

"I think as a football club, it’s not even one per cent, it’s a minute percentage of the people representing Carlisle United today who were absolutely respectful of the people who died, and when applause came on 56 minutes they were totally respectful of that.

"It [May 11, 1985] was a horrible day in the history of this club and the history of football, and I think the majority have paid their respects."

READ MORE: Bradford City 2-0 Carlisle United - as it happened