A diehard Airdrieonians fan who has been banned by the club for making a rude gesture in the background of a photograph of young children at a recent game says he regrets his actions.
Fifty-three-year-old Gary Cunningham was caught on camera sticking two fingers up as a group of youngsters posed for a snap at Airdrie's New Broomfield ground on Saturday, October 29, with the picture going viral on social media.
And within days of his actions, season ticket holder Gary promptly received a letter from the Airdrieonians Board of Directors informing him of an indefinite ban from future Diamonds games.
The publican, who runs the Cue Here bar in the town, has apologised for his actions and claims to even have the support of families whose children were in the offending photograph.
But Airdrie are taking a hardline stance.
Their letter to Gary read: "This is unacceptable conduct that we simply do not expect from adults and especially from a well-known publican who should know better about behavioural standards in a public place.
"We are working hard at encouraging young people to come along and enjoy football at the stadium and they should not be subjected to this type of abuse."
Gary hopes Airdrie will perform a U-turn on their decision, which he insists will cost the club "thousands of pounds" in lost revenue as he and his friends will now longer be taking hospitality at the stadium.
He told the Record: "I wasn't really paying any attention, I was there with my brother and said to him, 'what a chance for a photobomb'. I leant out, gave the fingers, leant back in – all in half a second.
"It was just a stupid wee thing. Next thing I know someone's posted the photo on the Airdrie supporters page saying, 'oh, there's always one stupid guy doing this'.
"Two days later I get a letter from the club, and that was that. Of course I regret it.
"I've had parents get in touch just laughing about the picture, saying their kids were howling at it. They've seen the funny side.
"There was an away game last Saturday and I was nearly crying in the pub because I didn't know what to do with myself.
"I go to Airdrie every game, I run the supporters bus, I've followed the team for 47 years, and I've had a season ticket since 1983.
"I've tried emailing the club offering to let them tear a strip off me, which is what they should have done in the first place. They're using a steamroller to crush a grape.
"My mates have cancelled their hospitality. I've got 10-12 boys who normally get my bus to the games that are coming to the pub instead - it's going to cost the club thousands in tickets and hospitality each match."
Airdire have not responded to a request for comment.
The club host Kelty Hearts in a League One clash this Saturday and it looks like Gary will remain banned from following the Diamonds at home games.
Gary added: "Football is all I do. I go to the football every week. That's my life.
"I've tried apologising twice but they're not responding to me or anyone else contacting them.
"I've never been barred from anything before, and I don't run about with idiots.
"I don't know what else I can do. Eventually it'll get to the stage of resenting them for it but I don't want that – I want to go to the games, it's what I do."
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