BRADFORD Council says it is looking into the possibility of showing Bradford City’s FA Cup quarter-final replay on the big screen in Centenary Square.

The Bantams face their last-eight replay against Championship side Reading on Monday night after a goalless draw at Valley Parade last Saturday.

Phil Parkinson’s side hope to book a Wembley date against FA Cup holders Arsenal next month.

Now politicians including Bradford East Liberal Democrats MP David Ward and Bradford West Respect MP George Galloway and some of the club’s fans have called for the match to be shown in the city centre.

David Green, Bradford Council leader, said it is looking into the idea of showing the game in public with West Yorkshire Police on issues including public safety.

MORE BRADFORD CITY HEADLINES

He said: “The Council is looking at the possibility and the costing of showing the match on the big screen.

“There is policing and safety issues that need to be taken into account.

“It would need policing if it went ahead.”

Meanwhile, West Yorkshire Police has said they would have the necessary resources in place to support the move but talks were still ongoing between themselves and Bradford Council and no decision had been reached yet.

Chief Superintendent Simon Atkin, of Bradford District Police, said: “We would be happy to support such a request from Bradford Council.

“Neighbourhood policing officers will be in a position to support any stewarding that would be in place to ensure the people of Bradford could come together to support Bradford City in this way.”

Mr Ward, a Bradford City season ticket holder, said: “It’s a good idea.

“It would be worth looking at. It would be like a community event for Bradford and would be good for local trade.”

The site has previously been used to broadcast live football matches. England World Cup matches in 2006 were shown on the screen.

The Unesco Bradford City of Film now manage the content shown on the big screen on behalf of Bradford Council. The screen currently shows BBC content including the station’s news output. David Wilson, of Bradford City of Film, was unavailable for comment yesterday.