Saskatchewan Roughriders mascot "Gainer the Gopher" will have to watch Sunday's game on TV.

The Calgary Stampeders have apparently banned the Riders mascot for fear he'll incite the thousands of Rider fans expected at Sunday's game at McMahon stadium.

The Stamps say they want to maintain homefield advantage in what will be a sea of green for the West division semi-final Sunday afternoon.

The winner of the game will advance to the West Final against the Edmonton Eskimos.