FESTIVAL organisers have banned a group of Rangers fans from collecting money for charity at their Glasgow event.

The Founders Trail – an organisation which researches the history of Rangers – planned to use the busy Gibson Street Gala to raise money for Yorkhill and Erskine hospitals.

But after writing to the organisers for permission to open their stall, and hold their usual collection, they were told they were "too controversial" and could not take part.

Today, Founders Trail organiser Iain McColl, slammed those behind the event, which takes place in Glasgow's West End on June 2.

He said: "Obviously we are extremely disappointed not to be taking part again this year, but it is the charities who will really suffer.

"I met with the organiser and told him it is the kids at Yorkhill and the residents of Erskine Hospital, who would lose out from this decision. But it seemed he had already made up his mind."

Dedicated to the club's founders – or "Gallant Pioneers" – The Founders Trail is a tour of Glasgow, which tells the story of the four men who founded Rangers Football Club in 1872.

The tour visits various locations, including Ibrox Stadium, Union Street, Berkeley Street and Kinning Park.

Mr McColl, from Cumbernauld, said: "We took a stall at last year's Gibson Street Festival, the link being that Peter McNeil, one of the founders, stayed there for a few years.

"It was a huge success, as we raised a few hundred pounds for charity, and in January we applied for a stall for this year's event.

"Two weeks ago, I was sent an e-mail from the stalls co-ordinator saying that the Founders Trail would not be offered a stall, as it caused controversy last year.

"I met up with the organiser, and I was told they had received a few phone calls and e-mails complaining about us.

"It seems strange, as there were no issues or problems on the day.

"The worst thing for us is that we won't be able to raise the cash for our charities again."

Eric Kay, secretary of the Gibson Street Gala, said: "Last year, permission was given to a stall for The Gallant Pioneers, which we understood to be a stall about the history of football.

"However, it turned out to be a stall about the history of Rangers Football Club. From their point of view, the stall was a major success, and there were no problems on the day.

"But we are a very small community event and, since then, we have had some complaints about the stall.

"I think some people were a bit surprised to see colours that are so connected with Rangers all over the stall.

"The last thing we want to do is cause controversy, our event is a real, relaxed, family day.

"We have never had any complaints about any other stalls before, so it stands out as a controversial issue.

"It's not about banning or excluding anyone, but some people felt that the stall just didn't fit in with the gala.

"We have to ensure that things are harmonious, but football in the west of Scotland is unfortunately, at times, not harmonious.

"That's not a slight on this organisation, but we just felt it wasn't in fitting with our event."

rebecca.gray@eveningtimes.co.uk