Bradford debutant Kyle Bennett and Preston's Neil Kilkenny were both sent off after a first-half altercation in a goalless draw at Valley Parade.
The incident came after 25 minutes as the pair clashed on the halfway line.
The visitors went close when Joe Garner just missed connecting with Scott Laird's cross and Paul Gallagher chested the ball against the post.
Declan Rudd blocked a shot from Bradford's Aaron McLean, while Josh Brownhill hit the post for Preston.
The result leaves North End in the play-off places but they are now 11 points off second-placed Leyton Orient.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Preston manager Simon Grayson told BBC Radio Lancashire:
Post-match: Preston manager Simon Grayson
"It was an entertaining 0-0. It wasn't helped by the referee's decision early on to send the two players off.
"There was nothing in it from both players. They've pushed each other in the chest area. You've got to use common sense sometimes and both teams are very disappointed with the decisions.
"That made it a more open game. I think we had the better chances and we could have nicked it."
