Generous Carlisle United fans have made two substantial donations after raising funds in memory of the Bradford City fire victims.

A crowdfunding initiative led by the Flags for United group has seen money donated to two parties connected to the Blues' play-off opponents.

Some £1,000 has been given to the Bradford City Community Foundation.

And a further £600 has been donated to the charity Action for Sport in memory of the late Bantams academy manager Neil Matthews.

The gesture followed a fundraising campaign which also paid for a wreath to be laid at the memorial at Valley Parade to the 56 people who died in the 1985 fire disaster at the ground.

It was, Flags for United said, a response to the disruption of minute's silence in the final fixture of the 2021/22 season last May, at the memorial game when Carlisle were the visitors, as well as some "disturbing" comments posted online by "so-called Carlisle fans".

News and Star: A minute's applause was held for Neil Matthews at Valley Parade before last Sunday's first leg gameA minute's applause was held for Neil Matthews at Valley Parade before last Sunday's first leg game (Image: Richard Parkes)

"We are putting money together to show that the minority do not represent the majority and as a club we respect and remember the 56 that unfortunately lost their lives," the fans group added.

The message on the wreath, which was laid before last Sunday's League Two semi-final first leg between the two clubs, said: "Carlisle United remember the 56. The minority do not represent the majority."

United fans have been thanked for the donations, with Action for Sport director Clive Michallat writing on Twitter: "An absolutely brilliant donation and gesture. Action For Sport are very humbled to receive £600 of your donation to from Neil Matthews' family. Thank you so much from all of us at the Action For Sport team. To you and Neil’s family."

Action for Sport is a national charity based in Yorkshire which is dedicated to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate in sport.