Bradford City supporters invaded the pitch three times after their side sealed promotion in the last minute of their 1-0 win over Fleetwood Town.
The Bantams looked set to miss out one of the three automatic promotion spots on the final day as they struggled to break down their opponents.
Meanwhile, Walsall, who had not won in 13 games prior to Saturday’s finale, were on course to leapfrog them in the table with a 1-0 win over Crewe Alexandra.
However, the deadlock at Valley Parade was finally broken in the 96th minute when Antoni Sarcevic scored with a slightly fortuitous finish as mere seconds remained on the clock.
Dramatic Bradford City promotion sparks three pitch invasions
The match wouldn’t finish for quite a while, though, as Bradford fans ran onto the pitch before referee Martin Coy even blew the final whistle.
A short delay followed as stewards and players ushered them back to their seats, but confusion reigned. It wasn’t clear whether or not Sarcevic had been shown a second booking for his exuberant celebration, but he remained on the field as both teams prepared to get back underway. However, it appeared as if the referee had called time on proceedings, prompting another pitch invasion, even though he had not blown for full time.
ABSOLUTE SCENES! 🤯
Bradford City are promoted into League One after a 96th minute winner! 😲 pic.twitter.com/tMO02tDIoC
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 3, 2025
Some Fleetwood players and the assistant referees left the pitch until the contest could finally get underway again, a full ten minutes after the goal.
Fleetwood’s Harrison Neal got a shot off from range that pulled wide, but that was the only incident of note before the game actually concluded to confirm the Bantams’ place in League One next season.
Read – The story of Bradford City’s fall from the Premier League to League Two
Bradford return to the third tier after six years in League Two alongside champions Doncaster Rovers and second-placed Port Vale.
Elsewhere, Chesterfield squeaked into the play-offs ahead of Salford City with a 1-0 win over Accrington Stanley. They will be joined by Walsall, AFC Wimbledon and Notts County.
Read – Leeds champions, Coventry and Bristol City in the play-offs, Luton relegated
See Also – The teams with the most English top-flight league titles
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