TWO Brighton pubs have removed the Saudi Arabian flag from World Cup bunting after complaints.

Brewery Greene King asked staff members at more than 3,000 pubs across the country – including The Sussex Arms in East Street and Druids Head in Brighton Place, to take down the flag as it contained “religiously-significant” Islamic messages.

It came after some customers complained that it was inappropriate to display the flag where alcohol was on sale.

Brighton and Hove politicians said the brewery’s decision was a symbol of understanding and asked residents not to take it as a political statement.

A Greene King spokesman said: “To celebrate the World Cup, we have been displaying the flags of the participating nations to promote what we hope will be a great tournament for all.

“Following feedback from some customers about displaying the Saudi Arabian flag in a pub, we understand it was inappropriate as it contains the religiously-significant Islam Shahada in Arabic and so we have removed it from all pubs.”

Shahada translates to “there is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger”.

Peter Kyle, Labour MP for Hove, said: “For me, this is an opportunity to think about why this is important for the community.

“This request is a cultural statement, not a political statement.

“It’s a shame that one nation cannot be represented in the bunting, but we have to respect their values and beliefs.

“Every country has its own codes. In our country, we have rules when we are advertising.

“For example we can only advertise alcohol in selected promotions on television, and not all cinemas can promote alcohol on their screens.

“So the Saudi Arabian community’s request is not much different.

“This is a learning opportunity for us.

“We need to be more aware of different communities.”

Conservative councillor Garry Peltzer Dunn, representing Wish ward, said: “I think they made a very reasonable request because the community has very different thoughts.

“The company has made the right decision to honour the community’s wishes.

“I guess not many of us are aware of the meaning behind the flag. This includes me.

“I am surprised, but then again I am looking at it from a Christian and English point of view.

“This is an opportunity for us to learn more about different communities.”

l What do you think? Write to letters@theargus.co.uk