Glasgow’s SNP deputy leader has dodged questions about his alleged involvement in stopping a Rangers fan zone.

David McDonald was asked whether he was responsible for sending an email on June 26 which claimed that three of the four Govan councillors opposed the fan zone.

That email was sent the day after a city councillor contacted Glasgow Life, claiming to be under “political pressure” to oppose the use of the Ibrox Football Complex for four pilot fan zones.

Tory councillor Euan Blockley called on Mr McDonald to comment on the release of huge cache of emails between city councillors, Glasgow Life and Rangers.

But instead of Mr McDonald responding, SNP councillor John Letford stepped in and said: “If the community council withdraws its objection there is no reason why the Ibrox Football Complex couldn’t be used for a fan zone.”

That was met with jeers from opposition parties and in response Mr Blockley said: “It’s a deep shame that we couldn’t have the deputy leader answer the question.”

Glasgow Life, who run the Ibrox Football Complex, had originally supported Rangers’ bid to use the centre because of the financial benefits which would be on offer.

But they pulled that support after the Ibrox and Cessnock Community Council made an official objection.