Sikh student 'heartbroken' after being 'dragged' from bar by security because he was wearing turban

'My ancestors have fought for the British Army previously. Furthermore, me and my parents were born in Britain and all uphold British values'

Amrik Singh was drinking with his friends to celebrate the completion of a module on his course (Facebook)

A Sikh student was left “heartbroken” after being “dragged” from a bar by security because he was wearing a turban.

Amrik Singh, 22, said he was kicked out of Rush Late Bar because he refused to remove his religious headwear.

After the Nottingham Trent University law student, who recorded his conversation with staff at the bar in Mansfield, Nottingham, on Friday, said that his turban is a religious requirement, he was told: “I didn’t think you were allowed to come in a pub and drink anyway.”

Mr Singh had been drinking in the bar with his friends to celebrate completion of a module on his course.

The bar released a statement on Saturday saying the door supervisor involved had been suspended and a thorough investigation launched.

Mr Singh said, in a Facebook post that has since been deleted: “I’m heartbroken.

“I was today removed from a venue because I was wearing a turban.

“Whilst drinking a glass of coke, I was removed from a venue called Rush in Mansfield, Notts.

“The reason why I was removed was because I refused to remove my turban.

“According to the venue, headgear is not allowed.

“Initially I was allowed in – however, I was removed after around 30 minutes.

“A bouncer approached me saying that I needed to remove my turban.

“I explained that a turban isn’t just headgear, but part of my religion and that it protected my hair – and that I was allowed to wear a turban in public.

“The bouncer ignored this and said I needed to take it off.

“I refused and was subsequently dragged away from my friends.

“I was removed and asked to speak to someone in charge.

“I decided to record the conversation as I felt victimised.

“The fact that I was being removed because of my religious views really upset me.

“My ancestors have fought for the British Army previously.

“Furthermore, me and my parents were born in Britain and all uphold British values.

“I was eventually let back into the venue but was told that I would not be allowed back in in the future because of my headwear.

“This experience ruined my night.

“It broke my heart.

“I’m very fortunate that I’m well-spoken and I am able to stand up for myself.

“What if it was someone who wasn’t confident was told to leave?

“I am disgusted.

“I urge Rush take immediate action against their head of security and take a long hard look at themselves and change their approach.”

He later added: “I would like to, from the bottom of my heart – thank every single person who has showed me support with the recent issue at Rush.

“I’ve received thousands of supportive messages from people from all backgrounds and countries which I am truly grateful for.”

Sonya Ward, leader of Mansfield District Council Labour group, called the actions of the bar staff “appalling”.

She tweeted: “This is appalling.

“I wrote to Rush Late Bar as soon as I heard about it, they have responded: ‘Good morning, this is absolutely NOT our policy.

“’We are investigating this incident & the security member in question has been suspended’”.

The bar released a statement on Facebook which read: “We are extremely concerned about the incident that occurred last night.

“We are treating the whole incident extremely seriously and have suspended the door supervisor involved and a thorough investigation has been launched.

“We, as a venue, welcome all customers regardless of their race, ethnicity or background.

“The events of last night do not reflect the venues values and upon completion of our enquiries any necessary action will swiftly be taken.

“We offer our sincere apologies to the gentleman involved for any upset, hurt and distress that was caused to him and anyone else.

“Just to clarify the gentleman was invited back into the venue after this incident and was able to enjoy the rest of the evening.”

The incident comes after another student at Nottingham Trent University captured racist abuse being chanted outside her room.

SWNS