East Londonderry MP and avid Rangers fan Gregory Campbell said he was outraged that the newspaper had decided to remove the Red Hand from photographs showing a Coleraine Rangers supporters’ club banner.

The paper airbrushed the symbol from the fans’ banner, which was on display at the recent UEFA cup semi-final.

“The Red Hand of Ulster is a symbol used by people from both sides of the community in Northern Ireland,” Mr Campbell said.

“It features prominently in the flag of Northern Ireland; it is used by the GAA as well as being displayed, as in this case, on the banners of people who are legitimate and properly registered supporters of Glasgow Rangers football club.

“It features prominently as part of the logos of many organisations ranging from the Ulster Farmers Union to the Ulster rugby team.”

Mr Campbell said he could not understand why the newspaper would take the time to remove the cross-community cultural symbol and said he had contacted the newspaper to seek an explanation.

“I trust they will admit their unprofessionalism and issue an unequivocal apology to the supporters for their actions.

“It is particularly galling when this club has raised thousands of pounds for charities that offer help to people from all sections of the community.

“The members of the Coleraine True Blues Rangers supporters’ club feel angered that someone should airbrush their bannerette.

“Of course we have been here before - who can forget the abuse meted out to Blue Peter presenter Zoe Salmon by ignorant and sectarian people over her choice of the Red Hand as the symbol of her country?

“People in Ulster regard the Red Hand as a non-contentious symbol - so too should those from outside the Province,” he added.