ANDOVER Wetherspoon's has apologised after a rugby player was told to take his Welsh shirt off because it was “offensive”.

But the Welshman says that the apology and offer of a free burger and beer is not enough and the taunt amounted to “racism”. The member of staff involved has since been reprimanded.

The rugby player says he and his partner went to the John Russell Fox in Andover town centre for breakfast on Sunday morning – St David’s Day – and as they tried to order food a male member of staff butted in and said: “That depends whether you take that shirt off."

When he asked why, he was told that it was “offensive”. He then stormed out.

The victim told the Advertiser he has lived in the south of England for nearly 20 years but only recently moved to Andover.

He said he found the incident “upsetting and unwelcoming” as newcomers to the town.

In an e-mail to the CEO of Wetherspoon's, he said: “I am well qualified to understand ‘banter’ and well versed in handling it. However on this occasion I find his remarks unwarranted, unwanted, badly timed and unnecessary and in no uncertain terms do I see them as ‘banter’ and fail to see anything humorous about them.”

Having been left angered by the incident he said the offer of a free burger and beer as an apology as “wooden dollars”.

In a statement released by JD Wetherspoon to the Advertiser, the chain admitted that the member of staff was in the wrong and apologised.

A spokesman said: “The comment was made in jest by the member of staff. He was trying to be funny, however his comment was inappropriate and should not have been made.

 “It was his view and not that of the pub or Wetherspoon the company.  He has been reprimanded for his actions.

“We have apologised to the gentleman and consider the matter closed.”

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