TORQUAY UNITED mascot Gilbert the Gull has been sensationally banned from attending the club's away game at Forest Green Rovers on New Year's Day.
In a case of fowl play, Gilbert claims he has been told that he is a ‘security risk' and will not be allowed into the New Lawn on Friday.
The two clubs met on Boxing Day with the Gulls winning 4-1 but the return game, which will be broadcast live on BT Sport, will be go ahead without Gilbert.
Steve Jegat, who wears the Gilbert costume, posted on a Forest Green page on Facebook after the Boxing Day game, saying: “The result was unlucky for you today and your support for your team was amazing.
“Cheers for the round of applause to the mascots walking around the pitch. Next thing I need to ask, I want to attend our second game on New Year's Day.
“I want to have a dance off with your mascot at half time but the one problem is your club won't give me clearance to land and attend saying it's a security risk.”
It appears Gilbert's pleas have fallen on deaf ears with a Forest Green spokesman saying: “Our standard policy at Forest Green Rovers is to not allow mascots from away clubs into the stadium.
“Our own Green Devil mascot is covered by the insurance policy in place at the club.”
It's not the first time the Torquay mascot has been in the news. He made headlines last year after Gulls fans complained about him to the club.
He allegedly called supporters ‘a bunch of c***s' and offered them a fight on the pitch during the 3-2 defeat against Grimsby Town in October 2014.
