Fears Saracens Rugby could be targeted as terrorist sues Saracens pub

Rugby fans are fearing Saracens could be the next victim of cancel culture after a convicted terrorist sued a pub called the Saracens Head over its 'offensive' name and sign.

Khalid Baqa, who was jailed for four years for preparing Jihadi propaganda, has prompted a wave of fury after suing the Saracens Head Inn in Chesham, Buckinghamshire.

He described the 'depiction of a bearded Arab/Turk' on the pub's sign as racist and also insisted the depiction 'incites violence'. And he also said he found the name of the pub offensive.

Saracen was a negative term used to describe an Arab or Muslim, particularly at the time of the Crusades.

Baqa, who is claiming £1,850 in his lawsuit, told The Sun that he has 'stopped all the terrorism stuff now', adding: 'I've always been offended by pub names like these, but I've only recently discovered how I can challenge them online.' 

The convicted extremist has announced plans to extend his fight to 30 other establishments with the same name if he is successful. 

And now social media is awash with fears that Saracens Rugby, the 148-year-old London club steeped in history, could be next to be targeted.

One user wrote: 'Have Saracens Rugby club had to change their name yet, or is that next on his hit list? I sincerely hope they tell him to just p*** off.'

Another posted: 'Will Saracens rugby club have to change their name as well?'

A third commented: 'The pub must not have its name changed. Suppose he wants the Saracens rugby club renamed...' 

A fourth said: 'Saracens rugby club now probably looking for a different name. The mind boggles on what they'll come up with. 'Hedgehogs' might not offend many but will still offend some.'

And a fifth tweeted: 'I suppose Saracens Rugby Club will be next.'

MailOnline has contacted Saracens for comment. 

The Saracens Rugby name is said to come from 'endurance, enthusiasm, and perceived invincibility of Saladin's desert warriors of the 12th century'.

The fears come after Exeter Chiefs changes its logo away from its Native American-themed brand in 2022.

The club had come under repeated criticism for their appropriation of Native American imagery, songs and attire. 

As a further part of a rebrand, the bars at the Sandy Park stadium - which previously featured names such as 'Tomahawk', 'Wigwam' and 'Pow Wow' - were renamed after castles in Devon. 

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Fears over Saracens being targeted next come after Baqa filed his proposal to sue The Saracens Head Inn at country court, previously known as the small claims court.

According to The Sun, his submission said: 'While walking through the area, I was shocked and deeply offended by what I saw. I saw pub signage depicting a brown-skinned bearded Arab/Turk male with a turban and captioned The Saracen's Head.

'This instilled worry and fear in me, since it was clearly xenophobic, racist, and inciting violence to certain people. I immediately complained to the pub and requested the signage be removed.'

He also said he was 'offended' by 'pub names like these'.

Pub landlord Robbie Hayes has vowed to fight back against the lawsuit, calling it a 'complete joke'.

He told The Sun: 'This has been called The Saracens Head for 500 years,' he said.

'He's just chancing his hand. Of course it worries me - you never know with people like this.'

MailOnline has spoken to punters and pub staff at other Saracens Heads across the UK who have backed Mr Hayes.

At the Saracens Head in Bath, Izzy Blackburn, 55, said: 'It is utterly ridiculous. It shouldn't have gone this far. I'm not sure what rights he has as a convicted terrorist.

'You can be offended by anything can you.'

MailOnline also visited another Saracens Head pub in Towcester, near Northampton, where punters were equally offended by Baqa and his demands.

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Convicted terrorist sues 500-year-old pub saying he's 'deeply offended' by Saracen's Head sign

'I think he has got a bloody cheek and should be told where to go,' said one local.

'What's next? Will a pub called The White Lion be sued because someone is afraid of animals or because it has the word white in the name.

'There are so many pubs with a rich history that you could question their name. It is utterly ridiculous.'

And Caroline Machell-Ranson, who is head chef at the Saracens Head in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, said: 'This is just ridiculous and is crazy that he is offended by the name.

'This pub has been here since the 16th century and everyone in the village knows about it, and there have never been any complaints.

'This is a just a village pub that has been here since 1615, and although I do not know when it was called The Saracens Head, the name should stay.'