A brewery boss said he will not be bullied by football fans threatening to boycott pubs.

Morrells Brewery of Oxford is threatening to take out an injunction to prevent Oxford United completing its new stadium at Minchery Farm, Oxford, due to a covenant on the Blackbird pub at nearby Blackbird Leys which prevents other premises within half a mile of the outlet selling alcohol.

Supporters' pressure group, Fighting For Oxford United's Life, Foul, is now calling for fans to boycott all pubs owned by Morrells.

Its members handed out leaflets before last Saturday's match.

Peter Large, the brewery's commercial director, has written to licensees warning them they may receive "adverse comments" from customers. He said the company supported Oxford United but added: "We have a duty to our shareholders and licensees to protect these rights and we will not be bullied.

"The Morrells covenant is not the major outstanding dispute relating to the stadium and surrounding developments.

"Thames Water also has a restrictive covenant and terms for the release of this covenant continue to be unresolved.

"I trust this issue will be resolved in due course."

Oxford United chairman Firoz Kassam was not available for comment.

Story date: Tuesday 22 February

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