GOMA Glasgow 2014 poster removed after public uproar

A member of the public holds the poster that has caused offence.Picture: TSPL

The design, though intended as a joke, drew an angry response from Glaswegians objecting to the council selling something that they felt was “stereotyped” and “negative”.

Called The Glesga Games, the poster uses images synonymous with Glasgow’s old No Mean City reputation to illustrate sporting events.

These include “Throwing”, which shows a stick figure bent over a toilet being sick; “100m Sprint” which depicts a man running with an apparently stolen television in his arms; “Marathon” which shows pint glasses while the “Women’s Floor Exercise” has a female stick figure mopping a floor.

GoMA is the responsibility of Glasgow Life, an arms-length group that oversees the running of arts, events, libraries, museums and sport on behalf of Glasgow City Council.

The poster, which costs £6.99, is also available as £2.49 greetings cards showing individual images.

Though still on sale elsewhere, officials apologised and removed them from GoMA yesterday after The Scotsman drew their attention to online complaints.

The sale of the items in the gallery had attracted sharp criticism on social media website Facebook.

Debbie Allan wrote: “Definitely isn’t funny, in GoMA’s shop too. Where many tourists go!”

Ruth Mutch added: “That’s ridiculous – what a crap, stereotyped, incorrect view of Glaswegians! The games are supposed to be positive!!”

Celine Mcilmunn said that when she called to complain she was told that the poster was among the most popular items in the gallery shop.

The items have no direct or official connection with Glasgow2014.

Instead, they carry a parody of the Olympic symbol, using the tops of drinks cans to form the iconic rings.

A Glasgow Life spokesman said: “The cards and poster have now been removed from sale and we apologise for any offence that may have been caused.”