Fans left bemused as Bristol Rovers reject advert

Bristol Rovers have come under fire after refusing to publish an advert from a fans' group backing this weekend's Kick It Out anti-racism campaign.

The Gas Independent Fans Trust had agreed to pay £300 for a full-page advert in the programme for today's home game against Yeovil Town, which highlighted dozens of players of various nationalities and races who had played for the club.

It was laid out on a blue-and-white quartered background with the caption 'The United Colours of Rovers'.

But GIFT say the advert was refused because the club objected to the design carrying GIFT's contact details in small print at the bottom.

They were told it would only be accepted if it was placed under the name of Rovers' Supporters Club.

Bristol Rovers are running a series of events at today's game to show their backing for Kick It Out's national One Game, One Community campaign, but GIFT chairman Gary Marks said their members were bemused by the club's attitude to the advert.

He said: "While GIFT recognises the special relationship that BRFC and the Supporters Club enjoy, the Trust does not believe that this should be to the exclusion of other groups.

"To say we are disappointed in the club's reaction is an understatement.

"It stands to reason GIFT would not pay for an advert to be placed in the name of another organisation.

"The suggestion that GIFT pay for an ad in the Supporters Club's name is a non-starter. If Pepsi approached the club with an ad, would they be asked to put it in Coca-Cola's name as they sponsor the League? I don't think so, but this is no different.

"We'd also point out that other supporters groups and initiatives, like the Presidents' Club and Helpline, are allowed programme space, which makes this reaction even more astonishing."

"In Rovers' own publicity for One Game, One Community, the club has stated that 'Bristol Rovers have a philosophy of inclusiveness, equality of opportunity and promotion of harmony.' Sadly, it appears this does not extend as far as some of the club's own supporters."

Marks says GIFT also contacted the club about the possibility of sponsoring striker Andy Williams' away kit for the rest of the season, but their approach was also rejected.

Rovers' financial director Toni Watola said: "It is disappointing that certain supporters feel the need to recreate a further voice for fans, when the relationship that the club has had for many years with the official Bristol Rovers Supporters Club has been so successful.

"Indeed, through the Supporters Club Share Scheme in excess of £750,000 has been raised to support the club during difficult times, and this has resulted in two Supporters Club members being promoted to board positions at Bristol Rovers.

"This relationship continues to work well and give our fans a voice, and in the spirit of One Game, One Community, we have encouraged GIFT to promote its work through our official Supporters Club, and a number of meetings have been arranged in the past between the two groups.

"The board of Bristol Rovers made it very clear to GIFT when they approached us some 18 months ago that we were very receptive to their suggestions and ideas as long as they were channelled through Bristol Rovers Supporters Club.

"Whilst we applaud the spirit and design of the advert, we are disappointed GIFT have felt the need to promote their own organisation rather than coming through the official Supporters Club."