BRADFORD Council has attracted further criticism from football fanatics after it emerged it had part-funded a World Cup screening in Keighley last week – having rejected calls to show the game on Bradford city centre’s big screen.

But the local authority has defended its decision to help fund the last-minute event at the Keighley Cougars’ Stadium last Wednesday for England’s semi-final tie with Croatia.

The council confirmed that it had offered £1,000 towards the screening in Keighley, as well as £700 for two coaches to and from a separate World Cup event at Odsal Stadium.

This comes despite the Council’s initial decision and reaffirmation prior to the semis that it would not show the games on the big screen in Centenary Square, partly for financial reasons.

But Phil Barker,the Council’s assistant director, sport and culture, said: “Due to budgetary, staffing and capacity considerations, England’s World Cup matches could not be shown on the big screen at City Park.

“The total cost of screening the match at City Park would have far exceeded the contribution made by the Council to help show the match at Keighley Cougars.

“Additionally, the area was already in use for the Bradford Literature Festival when the quarter finals were on - an event which had been booked into the park a year ago. And again the Park was booked for Bradford Festival when the semi-final was running.”

But David Pendleton, of Shipley, said: “[I’m] somewhat bemused! I’m delighted Keighley managed to get a screening, but it does suggest that the decision to not screen the matches in City Park was political rather than budgetary.”

Ian Taylor, Secretary of the Bingley Bantams supporters group said: “It’s a disgrace. Look at the TV coverage of other towns and cities for it – the response has been brilliant.

“What a fantastic opportunity missed. This just typifies a lot of what they do. People were happy just to turn up and have a laugh.”

Cllr Robert Hargreaves (Con, Queensbury), who put the issue to the Leader of the Council at the Full Council Meeting on Tuesday evening said: “The funding towards other venues is a nice gesture but isn’t a good enough excuse for not having the matches on the big screen in the heart of the city. It’s also hypocritical when the reason given was funding problems.”

In answer to Cllr Hargreaves’ questions at the meeting, Council Leader Susan Hinchcliffe said the legacy of the World Cup was more than just watching it. She said: “It would have been lovely to do something. But there were budget issues, and if you have been in City Park you’ll know the screen is right in the corner - it is not the same as the square in Leeds. It is a different layout, and the security costs would have been quite high.”

She said England were supported by the Council in a number of other ways, such as the rendition of Three Lions from the City Hall clocktower and lighting up several buildings in England’s colours.