Bradford City have received an apology from Crewe Alexandra after fans chanted distasteful songs about the 1985 Valley Parade fire disaster.

The chanting came early on in Saturday’s Sky Bet League One clash at Crewe’s Alexandra Stadium.

Numerous Bantams fans were enraged when a small section of home supporters behind one of the goals began singing songs about the tragedy which killed 56 people.

Some had to be restrained by police and stewards as their anger got the better of them, while others were visibly upset and had to move to another part of the touchline stand housing the 1,371 travelling City supporters.

It is not yet clear exactly what was sung, but some City fans told of other Bantams being in tears as a result of the chanting.

Telegraph & Argus sports reporter Ross Heppenstall, who was at the game, said he believed the chanting came from a group of about 20 youths, adding: “A small section of Crewe fans behind one goal chanted in reference to the Bradford fire and that enraged Bradford fans.

“Police and stewards did have to move in to calm things down.”

Crewe Alexandra took to social media website Twitter to say sorry. A statement said: “Crewe Alex and our loyal Supporters Association would like to apologise to the fans of Bradford for any offensive chanting from a small mindless section of our support."

Cheshire Police also took to Twitter to condemn the chanting. A statement said: “Over the coming days we will review the club CCTV footage and if we can identify any individual(s) responsible we will take positive action.”

A spokesman for Bradford City said: “We will be liaising closely with Crewe on this matter because this is certainly something that no football club want to see within football.”

The game finished in a 0-0 draw.