• Mishits

Torquay mascot's foul-mouthed tirade at own fans

Torquay United's Gilbert the Gull in happier times © Getty Images

Enlarge

Torquay United have launched an investigation into their club mascot after the novelty seagull allegedly hurled abuse at his own fans.

Gilbert the Gull was seen arguing with Conference side Torquay's fans during and after the 3-2 defeat to Grimsby Town last weekend.

After the match, one fan wrote on an online forum: "Around five minutes after Grimsby scored their third, Gilbert came over to us and shouted 'Where's the drummer?'

"We all thought he was having a laugh, but then he called us a 'bunch of c***s and c**ks' and after a few words exchanged he waddled off back to the Family Stand.

"At the end of the game, Gilbert came over again and in front of us on the pitch, he gave the 'come on then' body language towards us and wouldn't stop until hiding behind the stewards and again waddling off as we moved towards the exits.

"We have the worst mascot in football."

Torquay's chief executive Andrew Candy told the Daily Mirror he had reprimanded the employee in question, Steve Jegat.

"There was no malicious intent in what was said but things were said that, in hindsight, should not have been," he said. "Gilbert has been spoken to and been told that this should not have happened and that this will not happen in the future."

Mr Jegat denies swearing at the fans.

"Basically after Grimsby scored their third goal I went over and said 'Where's the drummer gone?' and ended up getting a load of abuse," he said.

"The fans on that side had just given up. But I didn't swear like they were trying to say.

"They say that I'm the ambassador for the club but if I'm the ambassador, why are they trying to knock me about?"

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd