Bradford City boss Geoffrey Richmond has spoken of his 'regret' at the failure of Zero Tolerance policing at Sunday's clash with Leeds United.

Bradford City fans were furious when an estimated 500 Leeds United fans managed to get tickets for areas of Valley Parade reserved for home supporters.

When Leeds scored they celebrated and some were openly wearing Leeds colours.

Despite earlier warnings that any Leeds fans caught in the wrong areas acting provocatively would be thrown out, only 15 people were ejected from the stadium.

Furious City fans chanted 'Get them out' but police and stewards instead adopted a policy of containment - which they later hailed a success.

But the policy has been attacked by City fan Emma Holmes, 21, of Wibsey, who said she was terrified when she was surrounded by Leeds fans at the match.

Emma, who was in Block F of the Ciba stand with her boyfriend, is now demanding a refund for her ticket.

She said: "It was absolutely horrific, I just wanted to go home. I was anxious, nervous and frightened. I can't remember half the game because I was so conscious of the people around me.

"There were people taking their children home because it was so horrible with all the Leeds fans swearing and shouting abuse. Basically, we've forked out about £60 to feel intimidated."

Now, after complaints from City fans, chairman Geoffrey Richmond has issued a statement.

"I fully understand that many of our supporters will feel badly let down by the club, in not carrying out the Zero Tolerance policy that was promised," he said.

"I regret it was not implemented on Sunday. I had earlier stated there would be a Zero Tolerance policy in effect, and that was with the full agreement of our safety officer, Roger Holmes.

"I was disappointed on the day, that the agreed policy had not been carried out. I discussed the matter with our Safety Officer afterwards and his explanation was that a strategic decision had been taken on the day, in view of a larger than expected number of Leeds fans in the home areas, that containment was the most effective way of dealing with the situation."

Regarding refunds, Shaun Harvey, managing director of Bradford City, said: "It's unfortunate that this lady hasn't enjoyed it, but the club does not offer refunds, unless people are returning tickets before the game has kicked off."

David Pendleton, editor of the Bradford City fanzine City Gent, said: "The behaviour of the Leeds fans was so blatant, you do feel let down. I didn't expect to see so many Leeds fans in our areas and I think there should be an investigation into how that was allowed to happen."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.