A GIANT rat was due to be unveiled near Glasgow Green amid warnings the city is “unfit” to host major events such as the Euro 2020 competition.

GMB Union, who represent hundreds of Glasgow City Council workers, insist the city is in the midst of a “cleansing crisis” and until further “significant investment” is made into services - such as bin collections and street cleaning - it should put hosting duties on the back burner.

The union’s giant inflatable rat was to be erected outside the park, close to Glasgow Sheriff Court, yesterday morning - ahead of Scotland’s historic return to the competition.

However, a burst valve meant the protest fell flat with staff forced to scrap the plans and carry out a standing objection instead.

It’s understood the group will attempt to inflate the device again on Wednesday.

READ MORE: Glasgow binman sent to hospital after rat attack in Drumchapel

It comes as around 6,000 people are expected to pour into the East End park to celebrate the international football tournament, with a further 12,000 gathering inside Hampden yesterday for the first time in more than a year to celebrate the national team’s qualification.

However, two branches of the union - representing cleansing staff and Glasgow Life staff respectfully - have made the protest demanding a cash boost for services.

While, also, claiming Glasgow should rethink its COP26 host role in November if the changes aren’t made.

In a joint statement, the branches said: “Support services for the fan zone have been outsourced yet again.”

It added: “It’s time for Glasgow to get its house in order and invest in the services that have sustained the city throughout this pandemic.”

A spokeswoman for Glasgow Life said: “While Glasgow Life is delivering the fan zone on behalf of the city it is not funding it. The funding comes from various partners including UEFA, Scottish FA, and Glasgow City Council, with a small contribution from VisitScotland towards marketing costs, along with commercial income.

READ MORE: Claims rat problems rising across Glasgow's Dennistoun

“In light of the ongoing impact of the global pandemic and, as a result, the enhanced scale of cleansing requirements at the fan zone, a specialist cleansing contractor is required. One provider must deliver the three main aspects of the contract: cleaning, waste management, and de-littering. This tender was published on Public Contracts Scotland, and all providers were welcome to bid for the contract.”

Glasgow City Council has repeatedly denied claims of a cleansing crisis.