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A DRINKER was told to cover up a crucifix if he wanted to be served in his local pub.

John Doolan had popped into The Doon Inn bar, in Blantyre, following his regular darts practice at another bar on Monday, September 1.

But the 53-year-old was left horrified after a staff member allegedly said “no colours” when he approached the bar.

Miffed by the comment, Mr Doolan, claims he then explained that he was wearing a darts shirt and not a football top, only then to be told “No, put the crucifix away.”

Mr Doolan, a painter and decorator, told our sister paper the Hamilton Advertiser: “I was absolutely disgusted. For me, my crucifix is simply about my faith — nothing else.

“I’m a 53-year-old man and to be asked in this day and age to hide my crucifix is horrendous.”

Mr Doolan also claims other punters stood up for him but were then barred for questioning the staff member’s actions.

He continued: “People were shocked and outraged. In fact a member of The Doon Inn’s dominoes team asked if he had heard that right and said it was only a symbol of my Christianity, but was later barred alongside another man. It was ridiculous.”

The following day Mr Doolan, who has frequented The Doon Inn over the last six years, and a friend returned to the bar wearing the same top with his crucifix hanging as it had the night before.

He continued: “I wanted to see if the same thing would happen the following day. It was a different member of staff on and when we approached the bar we were served instantly, no questions asked.”

The Doon Inn management team said this week: “It is not the policy of the Doon Inn to discriminate on any grounds. The matter has been discussed with all staff and they have been reminded of their responsibility to implement our policy with regard to customers.

“We have had a face-to-face meeting with Mr Doolan and have apologised for any embarrassment or distress caused.

“We have further reassured him that we have spoken to all of our staff and reminded them what is and what is not acceptable in their dealings with customers.”