Callum (7) barred for wearing Rangers strip

May 29 2008

A WOMAN this week hit out after she was refused service at a Hamilton pub because her young son was wearing a Rangers top.

Claire Cross and seven-year-old Callum went to The Tap Room, in Burnbank Road, for lunch on Monday.

Callum was wearing his Rangers strip.

As they went to find a table, 33-year-old Ms Cross was approached by a waitress.

Ms Cross, a cleaner from Stonehouse, said: “The waitress said they couldn’t serve me because my son was wearing football colours, and asked me to leave.

“She accepted that Callum was only a boy but said the ban was in case someone complained.

“The waitress said the only colours they allowed were Hamilton Accies because they were the local team.

“Supporters wearing Accies colours were permitted to drink in the bar at weekends.

“She told me that other pubs in the area had a similar policy.”

Accompanied by Callum, she left The Tap Room and went to nearby Equis cafe and restaurant.

“I asked the serving staff there whether it was OK to come in given that Callum wearing his Rangers kit, and they said there was no problem,” explained Ms Cross.

She later returned to The Tap Room and could not find any signs warning patrons that they would not be allowed to wear Old Firm colours.

She added: “My view is that barring Callum was over the top and unfair. I am a Catholic and attended Holy Cross in Hamilton.

“I know all about the sectarian problems here but Callum is just a wee boy.”

Callum, who attends Newfield Primary, Stonehouse, said he had first supported Celtic but had been a Rangers fan since he was four.

Paul McGeough, manager of The Tap Room, said he understood Claire Cross’s point of view.

He added, however, that some football colours can provoke a reaction in others.

“We therefore have a rule, across the board, that the only colours we allow to be worn are those of our local team, Hamilton Accies,” he added.

“To make exceptions for children of certain ages would make it difficult for our staff.”

Mr McGeough said the staff member who spoke to Ms Cross when she returned to The Tap Room was upset by the tone she adopted.