THE DECISION to show Bradford City's FA Cup clash at Reading on the big screen in City Park has been welcomed as 'brilliant news.'

The quarter-final replay between the Bantams and the Championship side is being shown live on BBC One with coverage starting at 7.30pm.

As the Telegraph & Argus revealed last night, Bantams fans unable to get to Reading for the match will be able to soak up the atmosphere by watching all the action on Bradford's big screen.

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Bradford Council's executive member for culture, thanked Bradford District Police's neighbourhood teams for offering to help keep the crowds safe on the night.

She said: "Bradford City Football Club has done a brilliant job for the city. Not just this year but last year too they gave us all a lot to cheer about.

"It's not everyone who can get to Reading on a Monday night so I'm glad we're able to show the match on the Big Screen.

"We are able to screen the match with the generous contribution of the police on the evening, we couldn't have done this without their support."

Alcohol will not be allowed in front of the screen, outside of the licensed area, and stewards will confiscate any alcohol which is brought to the screening.

But Cllr Hinchcliffe said they couldn't guarantee to screen any future matches, if City were to make it through to the semi-finals or final.

She said: "With bigger crowds, the associated costs will increase but we'll discuss the options with the police and the club.

"We hope that people will come down and wish Bradford City every success in the match, it would be great for the club, fans and the city if they could get another trip to Wembley."

Fans had called for the match to be shown on the big screen, a call echoed by local politicians including MPs David Ward and George Galloway.

Mr Galloway said: "This is brilliant news, it gives more people an opportunity to sample a communal atmosphere."

And Mr Ward said he hoped to be in City Park to watch the game.

He said: "Subject to the good old Bradford weather, I expect I will be there with the family."

The Unesco Bradford City of Film now manage the content shown on the big screen, on behalf of Bradford Council.

City of Film director David Wilson said: "We wish the club all the best and hope they make it to the next round.

"It is good news for the city that they have got this far. Of course we share our name with them, Bradford City of Film, and we will be cheering them on from the touchlines."

A semi-final at Wembley next month against FA Cup holders Arsenal awaits Monday's winner.

* Want to wish the Bantams well? Why not pop down to City Park (meet next to the big screen) at 12.30pm tomorrow (Sunday) when a Telegraph & Argus photographer will take a 'good luck' picture to be used in Monday's paper and online to send the Bantams off to Reading with all our best wishes. Just turn up in City colours and help create a really colourful picture!