FIVE players dramatically saw red after an ugly brawl marred Crawley's climb into the automatic promotion places.
Violence erupted when Bradford defender Andrew Davies appeared to throw a punch at Town skipper Pablo Mills at the end of the game.
Players from both sides weighed in and stewards had to separate the feuding stars, before ref Ian Williamson sent off Bantams trio Davies, Jon McLaughlin and Luke Oliver along with Crawley's Mills and sub Claude Davis.
The red-card tally equalled the Football League record for a single game and Bradford boss Phil Parkinson said: "I can't believe it's happened and I have never witnessed anything like it before in all my time in the game.
"The ref was very clear in his mind about what went on. He came into our dressing room, called three of my players out and red-carded them.
"The repercussions for us are immense but you cannot lose your discipline.
"Crawley have an intimidating type of play and you have to make sure you don't get involved. Now both clubs will pay a heavy price."
Crawley manager Steve Evans insisted: "All I have seen is their player Davies having words with my captain and then breaking away and slapping somebody.
"Then it was just a mass of bodies. All I can say is that we shall have a look at the incident and if any of my players have been out of turn, they will be dealt with."
Headed goals from loan strikers Leon Clarke, on 54 minutes, and Gary Alexander, 14 minutes from time, kept Crawley firmly on course for a second successive promotion after coming up from the Blue Square Premier last season.
Chris Dagnall, on loan from Barnsley, nodded home a temporary equaliser on 72 minutes as Bradford remain deeply embroiled in a battle for Football League survival.
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