SPAR IRELAND SAYS it is investigating an alleged incident of homophobia at a Dublin store last weekend.
In a statement to TheJournal.ie, Spar Ireland said it was aware of the allegations, noting that the Dame Street shop is “independently owned and operated”.
The retail chain has been inundated with social media messages over the past 20 hours after a man alleged he was abused in the store because of his sexuality.
He claimed that while in the Spar on the corner of Dame Street and Georges Street, he kissed another man before being told by security personnel to “take it back into the George, you f****ts”.
The George is a well-known gay bar in the locality.
There have also been allegations of physical harm but it is unclear from the initial message who the alleged attackers were.
Spar has been replying to messages on Facebook and Twitter, stating it is investigating the incident fully.
A spokesperson told TheJournal.ie that they were currently working with the store owner, the Gardaí and the private security company to “establish the facts of the alleged incident”.
However, he added:
Spar Ireland prides itself on respect for all regardless of gender, nationality, colour, creed, or sexual orientation and abhors any action that contravenes that.
The firm has also issued a statement on its Facebook page, noting the concern from other customers and Irish residents.
It added that while the investigation is ongoing, “it is important that we all respect the requirement for due process”.
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