AN allegation has been made that Bury fans sang a racist chant – mentioning ISIS – to away supporters last Saturday.

The Shakers hosted Bradford City at Gigg Lane in a FA Cup third round game and an exchange of words is said to have taken place between fans in the first half.

Some Bradford supporters claim people in the home end sang: ‘You’re just a town full of ISIS’ to them, though Bury supporters have strongly rejected those claims.

According to Bradford City Council, 24.7 per cent of the borough of Bradford’s population is Muslim and a song associating that with the extremist terror group is highly offensive.

Last week, Sheffield United banned “a number of fans” for singing the same song towards Bradford fans last month.

Bury FC has not commented on the allegations.

Chairman of the Forever Bury supporters group Dave Giffard said he would be surprised if there were such chants.

He said: “I didn’t hear anything like that. There were two away ends – one in the Manchester Road End and one in the Cemetery End – so it is possible that it happened and it was just a long way from me.

Bury Times:

“But there has been no complaint to any stewards and there were a lot of police at the game.

“I was in the cabin outside the ground for an hour after the game and there were many fans, but absolutely no trouble.

“There didn’t seem to be a tense edge to the match. It was just friendly banter, like you get at most games.

“I’ve been going watching Bury for many years and I’ve never heard racist chanting. It’s something the stewards would clampdown on right away.”

Greater Manchester Police said no official complaint had been made during or after the game. 

A Bradford City spokesman said: “We cannot comment on the situation at the moment as we are waiting for further details from Bury and Greater Manchester Police.

"The chants were reported and alleged on social media, and we are contacting the relevant authorities to establish what happened to decide whether any further action needs to be taken."

On YouTube, Bradford fan Peter Roebuck said: “Clear, racist chants were heard throughout the game – fact.”

Bradford City Supporters Trust chairman Mike Thompson said: “I didn't hear any chanting of that sort, so if it occurred, it must have been at the other end of the ground.

“If people have reported hearing it, then it is regrettable that some fans feel this is something they can do.

"It is pathetic in many ways.

"It is quite clearly meant to be insulting, and whether you think it is racist depends on how you interpret the term that is used.

"Whatever the interpretation, their actions are to be condemned.

"The swift action taken by Sheffield United in handing out banning orders is to be commended, as this is not a trend at away games that we would want to see continue."