Football fans can breathe a sigh of relief after police quashed rumours of a possible ban on wearing England shirts in pubs during the World Cup.Forces also moved to dismiss suggestions that flags bearing a St George’s Cross could also be outlawed. Speculation started in March after the Met issued advice to pubs in Croydon, south London, suggesting ‘dress code restrictions – eg no football shirts’ in pubs screening matches.

A group called I Am Against The Ban On England Shirts During The World Cup amassed more than 60,000 supporters in response to the possible crackdown. But yesterday a Met Police spokesman said: ‘Licensees are not obliged to follow our advice and there is no policy to stop the wearing of England shirts.’ Insp Howard Lewis-Jones, of West Midlands Police, said: ‘It is nonsense. Officers are football fans too and patriotism should be an important part of enjoying the tournament in a fun atmosphere as long as people are sensible.’ He also said talk of a directive stating pubs should not be adorned with England flags was an ‘urban myth’.

A spokesman for the British Beer and Pub Association said: ‘It’s good to see that common sense has prevailed.’ The Football Supporters Federation said the clarification came as a ‘relief’.

Source: Metro News