DEAR EDITOR - I write to your paper concerning the Golden Cross pub, in High Street Bromsgrove.

My friends and I have frequented the pub for many years and were amazed to be refused entry last week on the grounds we may intimidate non-England supporting visitors by wearing "England football clothes".

We wore, in fact, modest polo shirts with logos or cotton shirts (with collar) showing the England flag.

None of us wore the more casual, popular football 'kit' tops.

My friends and I wondered what's happened to the political correctness of 2002 in JD Weatherspoons' establishments.

This suspect ruling leaves the brewery open to many accusations of intimidation.

If they extend this silliness to turban or sari wearers, would a national newspaper take more notice?

After all, someone somewhere will have an allegiance in the other direction whatever the subject.

Just who will incite whom in this company's opinion?

The World Cup is exciting and gives football fans the opportunity to show patriotism and enjoy the global competition. It is, after all, about sporting different sides!

Our group were all adult Bromsgrove residents and didn't intend to do anything more than enjoy ourselves.

We saw no harm in wearing smart, casual clothing bearing logos showing support for our country's team.

The thought that we may offend was ridiculous as many pubs in the area displayed flags and bunting openly.

Weatherspoon's latest advertisement boasts of new facilities and a welcome for children in selected outlets.

Perhaps parents should check before they visit - after all - the company may have a 'no children's clothing to be worn by the under fives' policy!

Clearly J D Wetherspoon's rules are designed to reduce the number of visitors and not increase them.

Name and address withheld