A PRINTING COMPANY in Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk has refused to print a Gaza Cola advert on a perimeter advertising board for the local non-league football club Bury Town. 

Bury Town supporter and season-ticket holder David Cull received the free pitch-side advertisement space as a prize in the club’s annual raffle. The prize allowed the winner to promote any company or organisation of their choice. 

Cull chose to donate the opportunity to Gaza Cola, an independent business that says it operates for the benefit of the community and supports people “through trade, not conflict.” According to the company, all profits are designated to the construction of a hospital in Gaza.

Cull said the football club initially raised no objections. He was told the club had consulted both the league and the FA, who had confirmed the proposed advert did not contravene rules relating to political promotion.

Representatives from Gaza Cola submitted their artwork to Bury Town’s commercial manager, who then passed it to Kingfisher Press, the firm responsible for printing all perimeter boards at the club’s ground. However, Kingfisher Press reportedly informed the commercial manager that its directors were not willing to print the advert.

Cull offered to use an alternative printer at his own expense, but said he was told this would not be possible due to the club’s existing arrangement under which Kingfisher Press supplies all pitch-side boards.

Kingfisher Press was informed of Gaza Cola’s charitable aims but maintained its refusal to print the advert. Given the company’s sponsorship ties with Bury Town, the decision has raised questions about whether the club itself now has reservations about displaying the Gaza Cola board.

Both Bury Town FC and Kingfisher Press were contacted for comment, but neither responded.