Soccer: Free shots at English expense

A pub in Wales has sparked a row by offering customers a free shot of spirits every time a goal is scored against England in the World Cup.

But Julie Jones, landlady of The Strand in Swansea, insists there is nothing malicious about the promise, which started as a joke between herself and her English regulars.

"It's all a bit of light-hearted banter between ourselves and English workmen who drink here," she said. "Calling us racist has blown it all out of proportion."

Though deep-rooted and often fierce, rivalry between the Welsh and their former oppressors is usually good-humoured and confined to the rugby pitch.

But local newspaper the Western Mail said yesterday that the former Racial Equality Commissioner for Wales, Ray Singh, had criticised the free drinks offer.

"Friendly banter is one thing, but to encourage people not to support England is wrong," it quoted him as saying.

Jones said she had given away free shots to 30 drinkers when England drew 1-1 with Sweden and was expecting a full house of about 100 for the clash with bitter rivals Argentina.

- REUTERS

nzherald.co.nz/fifaworldcup

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