A night out in Birmingham city centre turned into a scene of public humiliation for a woman who was forcibly ejected from a pub for the simple act of wearing a shirt displaying the St George's Cross.
The incident, which has sparked widespread outrage and accusations of a double standard, occurred at The Figure of Eight pub on Saturday evening. Staff reportedly informed the woman that her attire violated the establishment's 'strict dress code', a policy that many patrons claim is selectively enforced.
'I Was Absolutely Humiliated'
The customer, who has chosen to remain anonymous, described the experience as deeply embarrassing. "I was absolutely humiliated," she stated. "To be singled out and thrown out of a pub for showing a bit of national pride is just unbelievable. It felt completely un-British."
Eyewitnesses at the Wetherspoon-owned venue confirmed the altercation, expressing their disbelief at the staff's heavy-handed approach. The situation raises serious questions about the arbitrary nature of dress code policies in UK pubs.
A Pattern of Selective Enforcement?
This is not the first time the pub's management has faced criticism. Other customers have come forward with similar stories, suggesting a pattern of behaviour rather than a one-off incident. Many question why football shirts are commonly seen in pubs across the UK without issue, yet this particular display of the England flag was deemed unacceptable.
The pub's parent company, J D Wetherspoon, has been contacted for comment but has yet to issue a formal statement on the matter. The lack of a clear, public explanation has only fueled the anger on social media.
Social Media Erupts in Support
The story has ignited a firestorm online, with hundreds of people voicing their support for the woman and condemning the pub's actions. Comments on social media platforms largely criticised the decision as an overreach and an attack on national identity.
One user succinctly captured the public mood, writing, "Since when did it become a crime to be English in your own country?" The debate continues to rage, highlighting a broader conversation about identity, belonging, and the power of private businesses to set cultural norms.
