Bradford City's big cup game against Villa 'will not be on big screen’ (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Hopes of City Park viewing dashed – but Valley Parade may show match

10:48pm Wednesday 9th January 2013 in News By Kathie Griffiths, T&A Reporter

Football fans hoping to watch the second leg of Bradford City’s semi-final cup tie against Aston Villa on City Park’s big screen will be disappointed.

Efforts by Bradford Council to show the next Capital One Cup match on the big screen were ongoing throughout yesterday, but have failed because TV company Sky has the rights to it.

Council leader David Green says it is “unfortunate” but the flags will fly on Centenary Square outside City Hall to mark the event and the Bantams will be rewarded with a civic reception in their honour.

Coun Green said: “I would like to congratulate Bradford City Football club for their fantastic achievements – it’s been great to see so many people getting behind their local team.”

Yesterday calls had been growing for the January 22 match at Villa Park to have a public viewing in the city centre – another suggestion was that the Bantams could show the live action at Valley Parade.

Longtime City supporter Bradford East MP David Ward said he would be speaking with Bradford City to see if they can screen the next match.

“It would be a really good way to bring people together in a good spirit. I’m sure if they can screen it they will.”

Bradford West MP George Galloway said it was “essential that the Council moves heaven and earth to get it screened” because it would be “a fine spectacle”

He said: “What a celebratory evening it would make and what a boost for the city. I really believed that City would beat Villa although I kept my fingers crossed for the full 90 minutes – they performed magnificently.”

Bradford South MP and former sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe was also behind the idea of a big-screening in Bradford as long as it had plenty of wardens.

“I’m really excited for the club, it’s a boost for them and the city as well,” he added.”