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Bradford v Luton: Graham Alexander speaks after fan arrested for alleged racism towards player

Graham Alexander speaks after a fan is arrested by police for alleged racism towards a player during Bradford v Luton on Saturday.

The incident happened in the first half of the League One fixture at the University of Bradford Stadium. One of Bradford’s players was allegedly the target of comments from the away end.

A 51-year-old Luton supporter was arrested by West Yorkshire Police for making racist gestures towards a Bradford player, on suspicion of threatening or abusive behaviour.

Both clubs condemned racism and discrimination, affirming zero-tolerance policies and full cooperation with the police investigation.

Bradford manager Graham Alexander called for zero tolerance, saying it is a societal issue unrelated to the clubs, and stressed collective support for affected players.

West Yorkshire Police said in a statement: “Shortly before half-time during today’s Bradford City v Luton Town match at the University of Bradford Stadium, Valley Parade, one of our officers identified a Luton Town supporter making racist gestures towards a Bradford City player.

“The 51-year-old man was removed from the ground and arrested on suspicion of behaving in a threatening, abusive or disorderly manner likely to cause harassment alarm or distress.”

A statement from the Bantams: “Bradford City AFC is aware of an allegation of racist abuse from an individual in the away section towards one of our players during today’s Sky Bet League One game against Luton Town.

“An arrest has been made by West Yorkshire Police, with the individual in question swiftly removed from the University of Bradford Stadium. We will fully cooperate with all ongoing police investigations.

“Bradford City AFC strongly condemns racism and discrimination in all forms. We have a zero tolerance policy to such, unacceptable behaviour.

“The club will be making no further comment at this time.”

Luton Town said: “We regret to report that we have been made aware of an allegation of racist abuse directed towards a Bradford City player during our game at Valley Parade on Saturday afternoon.

“West Yorkshire Police have confirmed that an individual in the away section was arrested.

“As a club we condemn racism and discrimination in all forms. This behaviour has no place in society and it has absolutely no place at Luton Town. Ever.

“We stand by any player who suffers at the hands of such abuse. It needs to stop.

“As club we will now fully support the ongoing police investigation.”

Bradford boss Graham Alexander said after his side’s 2-1 win: “Think we saw it last night in the Liverpool game. It’s got to be zero tolerance. There’s no excuse for it at all. Whoever says it, there’s no validation in saying it. There’s no place for it.

“I think the football world is handling that quite well and quite strictly and rightly so. So fingers crossed it does get stamped out eventually by everybody but it is a societal problem and obviously it’s people that come into stadiums but I’m sure it’ll be dealt with in the right way.

“We had a conversation with the referee straight after the game so hopefully that’ll be sorted because there’s no place for it and I think it’s a bad luck on any club and it’s nothing to do with Bradford, it’s nothing to do with Luton Town, it’s one person saying the wrong thing in a wrong way.

“So hopefully it will be dealt with for sure.”

Interviewer: “And that’s why that togetherness in that group where they can surround the player and support them if they need it and really pull together in situations like this.”

Graham continued: “Everyone should do that regardless whether it’s a teammate or anybody it doesn’t matter if it’s one of their players everyone should get around them. So that’s how I see it and that’s how everyone else sees it, so it will be dealt with right.”

Twitter users reacted while Graham Alexander speaks after a fan was arrested for alleged racism towards a player during Bradford v Luton…

@SSE_LTFC: This makes me sick to my stomach, man. IT’S A GAME. IF YOU CANT WATCH A MATCH WITHOUT BEING A RACIST DICKHEAD, STAY AT HOME, WE DO NOT WANT YOU THERE.

@HappyLuton1982: Well if this allegation is true then this person needs to banned from our club. We don’t want this person to represent our club. Get them out!!

@ltfc_jt: No one who is racist deserves the right to call themselves a Luton fan, especially not with how multicultural a town we are. Disgraceful.

@LTFCShirts: Apologies Bradford City, they aren’t a Luton fan they’re a coward. Name and shame

@DanielMcKee1989: @officialbantams disgraceful, I hope us as a club name and shame! And is rightly given a lifetime banning order from all grounds. Congrats on the win! And good luck for the rest of season.

@LTFC_1885: So disappointed to hear this has (allegedly) happened. Our town is one of the most diverse. Not to mention the likes of Ricky Hill and Brian Stein are two of our finest ever and trailblazers for black footballers today. Hope the @officialbantams player is alright.

@dannybd85: Why oh why oh why is this a thing? Ban the bastard for life! Educate him and anyone’s else who thinks is justified to be racist at anytime because it never is

@WatfordAreShit: Should be a lifetime ban. Doesn’t represent the rest of us. Good luck for the rest of the season lads

@Will_BCAFC_: Can’t believe people actually do this

@BantamDxn: Mental that this still happens in 2025, hope the player involved is okay and the club rally round whoever was targeted 🧡

Antoine Semenyo receives racist abuse online as well as in stadium with statement issued

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