Anthony O’Connor has issued a statement, following this afternoon’s Sky Bet League One defeat to Portsmouth.
It read: “First of all I am bitterly disappointed about today’s result and, for that matter, last weekend’s defeat to Walsall.
“It obviously led to David Hopkin resigning from his role, which we all feel a large degree of responsibility for.
“Martin took charge of the team and made the decision to give Paul Caddis the captaincy, which I was completely supportive of.
“I have worn the armband with a great deal of pride this season and am right behind any manager’s decision. My job never changes. I am here to give 100% for Bradford City.
“It has been brought to my attention by members of staff at the club that supporters are unhappy with me, after I removed the armband during the second half.
“Paul (Caddis) came off injured and I put the armband on in the dressing room - at half-time. The stitching was coming away and I had just headed the ball away for a corner.
“I was getting ready to defend the corner and took it (the armband) off. I put it in the goal.
“It is ridiculous to suggest I did it for any other reason. I would never disrespect the club or the captaincy. I wouldn’t have put it (the armband) on if I didn’t want to wear it.
“Most importantly, I wouldn’t disrespect the travelling fans who made the long journey to support us today.
“Lastly, I want to touch on comments which appeared on social media in the last 24 hours.
“The comments, which I am now told have been deleted, are entirely untrue and hugely hurtful.
“For the record, I do not carry a goal bonus in my contract and can assure every single Bradford City supporter the last thing on my mind - in the dressing room at Walsall - was the consolation effort I scored.”