Gareth Evans revealed his taunting goal celebration which incensed the City fans was payback for getting crocked at Valley Parade last season.

The Bantams were today dusting themselves off from a 4-0 thumping at the New York Stadium in front of 2,200 travelling supporters.

Evans scored twice against his old club – and marked the first by leaping in the air right beneath the away end.

There were unconfirmed reports that the police were considering talking to Rotherham about his actions, which provoked a livid response from the away crowd.

But for Evans, it was sweet revenge after he was forced off injured the last time he faced City following a crunching tackle from Michael Flynn .

Evans, who was released by City 16 months ago, said: “The (first) goal did mean a lot to me. I don’t really want to say too much but, as everyone knows, it was my old club and I had a bad time in my second year there.

“To score was enjoyable, as I felt like I was singled out when we went to Valley Parade last season. I ended up being out for three or four months after that game.

“I only lasted about five minutes so I was keen to start (against Bradford this season). Thankfully, the gaffer gave me that opportunity and to score made it even better.

“The goals dried up for me after I got injured at Bradford so that was all the more reason why I enjoyed the goal more.”

City were behind from the first minute and skipper Gary Jones felt the performance was unacceptable for the massive following.

Jones admitted: “I apologise to our supporters for that. It wasn’t good enough. In all departments, we were second best and got what we deserved.

“The first goal came as a massive shock. And after that, we ended up chasing the game for 90 minutes.

“We didn’t need to do that because there was so long left. They hit us on the counter-attack twice in the first half.”

Phil Parkinson had named the same side that crushed Wimbledon and played both wingers. He conceded afterwards that City had been “too open”.

“I’ve got to take responsibility for that because I picked the team. But it was the same team that put in a very disciplined performance in a tight game against Fleetwood, albeit at home.

“I thought we did okay up to the second goal but after that we left ourselves too vulnerable.”

Rotherham boss Steve Evans confirmed they had turned down a bid from a Championship club last week for his namesake striker.

He said: “To be fair, I didn’t tell him. He can read it in the papers; it is a need to know basis.”