Wetherspoons introduces new rules on England flags during Euros after making u-turn

Flying the flag of the football team you support is all part of the fun during a big tournament like the Euros, but Wetherspoons bosses weren't always keen on the idea.

The popular UK pub chain was branded 'petty' and 'unpatriotic' online back in 2018 after its branches were banned from putting up St George's Cross during the World Cup, and staff were told they could even turn Brits wearing England shirts away.

I know what you're thinking - Spoons must have some serious beef with Gareth Southgate and the boys.

And you can't blame people for presuming that, but the firm were actually trying taking a more inclusive approach to flag displays and instead offered out 'World Cup bunting', which included every flag of each nation competing.

Wetherspoons spokesman Eddie Gershon told the Express at the time: "We wouldn't want an England flag being put up in the heart of a pub by a staff member."

He explained that managers had the final call on whether flags could be flown in staff areas, before later emphasising that it wasn't a free-for-all with patriotic decorations.

Gershon continued: "What we have said is the same as Christmas trees and decorations. We have sent this bunting to all our pubs, but staff can't go willy nilly adding anything they want to it.

Wetherspoons punters were previously not allowed to fly England's flag during the 2018 World Cup. (Getty Stock Photo)

"What we aren't looking for is for individual pubs putting extra flags up," he said. "So that one pub in Leeds might have a big England flag but another might not. The bunting is what we want people to put out.

"If they want them to put up a flag they can but we aren't encouraging it."

The World Cup bunting obviously didn't do much to soften the blow - as if there is one thing about Brits, it's that we will proudly sport our footie shirts and drape ourselves in the country's flag when the England squad have a chance at glory.

Anyway, Wetherspoons seem to have finally gotten the memo about this, as they have performed a dramatic U-turn on their tough rules and are allowing flags in it's boozers for this year's Euros.

So if you can't find the bar in your local branch due to the torrent of flags in the way, you know why.

Don't be surprised if you see your local Spoons looking similar to this. (JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

According to the Daily Star, punters will be seeing a lot more England and Scotland flags this year.

Gershon said: "We want our pubs to be welcoming to all football fans and they will have bunting with the flags of all competing nations. Pubs are free to display Scottish and English flags as well, should they wish."

If England manage to reach the semi-finals, Brits will also be able to knock them back in pubs like Wetherspoons until 1am, as licensing laws have been relaxed to allow boozers to extend their opening hours and serve a lot later.

Happy days - now you've just got to remember to be wary that you could be slapped with a hefty fine if you're heading to Spain to show your support and aren't on your best behaviour.