US and Them
The "American Pub" is located in Kearny Mesa.
The sign out front of O'Brien's Pub seems to say it all: "An American Pub." As everybody knows, America's the great melting pot but that his its limits.
Anabella Hedman said she's not being allowed to watch a soccer game at the local sports bar because she's not a fan of Team USA. She's from Honduras and proud to sport her team's colors. Her team is facing off against Team USA this weekend in a very important game -- a trip to the World Cup is on the line -- and the match is being shown on closed circuit TV at the Kearny Mesa watering hole.
"I heard ... that I could go if I didn't wear my shirt and I didn't really root for my country, which is really hard, because in the moment of passion, you might scream," Hedman said, laughing.
O'Brien's paid a hefty sum for the closed-circuit rights and is the only place in San Diego showing the English language feed of the game. Owner Tom Nickel expects a huge turnout and doesn't want trouble. O'Brien's has what's called a "no away fan" policy. In other words, if you cheer for the other team, you're not welcome.
Nickel said the policy is meant to protect patrons should emotions run high.
"I absolutely believe it's for the safety and comfort of all the patrons, not just the U.S. fans, but for the away fans as well," Nickel said.
Hedman said she would try to watch the game on her computer instead.
If you're wondering, it's not illegal to keep people out of a private business based on team allegiance.
