Boy, 10, forced to remove T-shirt before boarding plane as it had picture of a snake

A BOY has allegedly had to change his t-shirt before being allowed to board a flight — because it had a scary image of a snake on it.

Stevie Lucas, 10, from New Zealand had been visiting South Africa to spend time with his grandparents on December 17.

But his mum and dad, Steve and Marga, said security officers at Johannesburg airport told them snake toys and printed clothing were not allowed on the plane.

They were told the reason was that the t-shirt, which had a large green snake coming from over the shoulder could cause passengers or crew to feel anxious, according to local media.

Mrs Lucas said she told her son to turn his black t-shirt inside out to avoid any further drama.

An airport spokesman said: "Security officers have the right to determine if an object has the potential to harm fellow passengers and crew members by causing certain objects or prints to be anxious."

Sun Online has also contacted the airport for further comment.

The family emailed the Airports Company of South Africa and was told it was seeking clarification on the reason for the clothing rule.

An email to them read: "Thank you for bringing this to our attention. 

"Note that we asked for a more extensive reason for the clothing rules and restrictions.

"We will give you feedback as soon as we receive it."