Ask most Doncaster Rovers fans who they consider to be their biggest grudge match and Rotherham, Barnsley or Scunthorpe may immediately spring to mind.

Pose the same question to Bradford City supporters and the names of Huddersfield or Leeds would be their typical response.

But in recent times, a new rivalry appears to have been forged between Rovers and the Bantams. Perhaps it is understandable given that eight of the last 12 campaigns have seen the two sides share a division. Add in the relatively close proximity of the two grounds - roughly 45 miles separate them - and there's always likely to be sparks, but the dislike between the two fanbases appears to have snowballed significantly. There’s been red cards, controversial tackles, high-stake encounters and plenty of online back-and-forths.

Last season saw Rovers do the double over Graham Alexander's side on their way to pipping them to the League Two title. They then beat them at the Eco-Power in the early part of this season - a game that saw veteran Billy Sharp break out his infamous chicken dance celebration in front of the away end.

Jordan Gibson's past as a Bradford City player is just one of the sub-plots that's helped fuel a recent grudge between Rovers and the Bantams. (Picture by Howard Roe/AHPIX.com;Football).

placeholder image — Jordan Gibson's past as a Bradford City player is just one of the sub-plots that's helped fuel a recent grudge between Rovers and the Bantams. (Picture by Howard Roe/AHPIX.com;Football).

The same game Jordan Gibson notched against his old club in yet another interesting layer in this whole episode. Gibson had a three-year stay at Valley Parade earlier in his career but is a continued target for the boo boys whenever he faces them: "I've played against them a few times and always had it (abuse) so knew it was coming," he said after last September's win. "It gives me an extra five or ten per cent but it backfired a little bit for them."

Bradford fans have since seen their side firmly ensconce themselves at the top of the division, whilst Rovers' plight through the latter months of 2025 is only just now being addressed but they still sit well behind City in the league standings. Throw in the recent transfer between the two sides of defender Neill Byrne and it all adds to the sense of pantomime ahead of this Saturday's lunchtime tussle in West Yorkshire.

As with any rivalry though, there is a fine line between banter and outright abuse - a line that was clearly crossed when racist abuse was aimed at Gibson online in the wake of that last league meeting (a 28-year-old man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of a malicious communications offence). Whilst that incident was vehemently condemned by both clubs, the vast majority of exchanges between the fanbases seems largely to be in good keeping. So, is this just social media egging-on or is it the dawn of a proper new rivalry?

"Apart from it being a Yorkshire derby, I don't think either fanbase would consider the others rivals," says Jack Jones, from the Rambling Rovers podcast.

Rovers have the upper hand against Bradford of late, winning the last four meetings in all competitions.

"Over the past few years we've just found ourselves in the same division and competing for promotion together. They're always feisty affairs and close games.

"I do think Twitter/X plays somewhat of a part and there's been some big moments: Liam Ravenhill breaking Emmanuel Osadebe's leg, the farce sending-off of Lee Tomlin, us beating them to secure promotion and beating them to the League Two title.

"It all just fires fans up on X. I like the back and forth but Bradford have a huge fanbase so they always seem to be more vocal but that's to be expected with more fans. It's football and we all love it.

"It's a laugh but I don't think anyone takes it that seriously."