Torquay mascot Gilbert the Gull banned by Forest Green Rovers

​Torquay United mascot Gilbert the Gull has been branded a "security risk" and banned from attending the New Year Day's match with Forest Green Rovers.

Gilbert has been informed he will be barred from entering the New Lawn for Friday's National League clash.

Steve Jegat, who wears the costume, had pleaded with Forest Green to allow him to attend the match and wanted to challenge their mascot, the Green Devil, to a dance-off at half-time.

"All I want to do is entertain the fans, have a dance off with their mascot at half-time, have a kick about and high five everyone," said the 42-year-old.

"Forest Green won't give me clearance. It's laughable."

However, Forest Green are refusing to budge on the matter.

"The Green Devil doesn't dance," said a spokesman for FGR. "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."

Gilbert was on duty for Monday's defeat to Cheltenham Town when he danced alongside Whaddney the Robin.

A spokesman for the table-topping Robbins said: "We had no issues with Gilbert at all and didn't deem him a security threat, mainly because it's just a man in a giant seagull costume."

Gilbert previously made the headlines last year when he allegedly abused Torquay's own fans and challenged them to a fight on the pitch during the 3-2 defeat to Grimsby Town in October.

Despite being branded "the worst mascot in history" he was later cleared to resume his match-day duties.