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STORE giant ASDA last night revealed it could DITCH its green-and-white logo — just to please shoppers in a Rangers-daft town.
The supermarket chain this week unveiled plans to build a new multi-million-pound outlet in Larkhall, Lanarkshire — famed for its true-blue football fans.
But bosses have now sparked a furious row by admitting its traditional livery could be scrapped because the same colours are worn by the Gers’ bitter rivals Celtic.
The incredible move comes just a year after the local Subway sandwich franchise ditched its own traditional green-and-yellow branding.
Last night an ASDA spokeswoman said: “We are well aware of the situation with Subway, as well as a few other businesses in the town, and we will be taking the public’s feelings very seriously.”
The firm’s famous green-and-white sign appears on EVERY one of its stores across the UK — including one just half a mile from Ibrox stadium.
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But ASDA is so worried about a backlash from Rangers supporters in Larkhall, it’s set to hold a two-day consultation with locals over the new 31,000sq ft shop.
The purge on all things green has already hit everything from the town’s chemist shops to traffic lights.
Now, shoppers may have to get used to a new ASDA sign, which could even appear in Rangers blue.
The spokeswoman added: “Plans are still at a very early stage but we can confirm there will be a period of community consultation in a bid to get feedback on the new store.
Prejudice
“Again we are only at the outline planning application stage, so in terms of opening, we are still a long way away.
“I don’t think we have ever encountered a problem in regards to the ASDA branding or colour scheme but hopefully by holding these feedback sessions we can iron out any problems that arise.”
The planned store and petrol station near the Broomhill Gate area of the town is expected to create 350 jobs.
But stunned politicians last night accused ASDA of “pandering to prejudice” over its stance on branding.
Larkhall Labour MSP Karen Gillon said: “There is absolutely no need for ASDA to change the colour of its logo. It is absolutely unnecessary.
“A change certainly wouldn’t reflect well on the town and people throughout the many communities in Larkhall certainly wouldn’t want a change.
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“If they decide to change the colour of the logo I’d be very surprised and very, very disappointed.”
Nats MSP Alex Neil added: “ASDA should rise above this kind of thing and just get on with running their business.
“They should not pander to prejudice of any kind.”
ASDA’s decision to hold public feedback sessions in the town is the latest in a long line of embarrassing colour clashes in Larkhall.
Six years ago, Moss Pharmacies swapped its ‘Celtic-style’ green-and-white shop front for a Rangers-themed red, white and blue.
The makeover came after a fall in sales was blamed on the colour of the store.
And when cable TV boxes in the town were painted green, there was such an outcry that the company changed the colour to grey. Last year, furious residents forced international sandwich chain Subway to axe its traditional green-and-yellow branding in favour of black.
Bosses later claimed the colour change was “just a coincidence”.
But South Lanarkshire Council chiefs were also forced to install wire grilles to protect green traffic lights in the town.
The blitz followed allegations that Rangers fans had been deliberately smashing them.
Up to 205 lights were stolen or damaged in just three years, costing £16,800.
