- An employment judge has ruled that employers can lawfully reject a job candidate if their support for a rival football team could disrupt office harmony.
- This hypothetical example was given by Judge Daniel Wright during a case brought by Russian national Maia Kalina against Digitas LBI.
- Mr Wright suggested that an interviewer should be permitted to reject a job applicant who is an avid Tottenham Hotspur fan if the office was full of Arsenal supporters.
- Ms Kalina alleged she was not hired because she was not outgoing, did not enjoy pub culture, or cursing, which she perceived as typically British traits.
- The interviewer, Stephanie Hill, testified that another candidate was chosen based on who was a "better fit" for the team.
- Judge Wright dismissed Ms Kalina's claims, stating there is no single stereotype of British workers and that assessing team fit is acceptable if done carefully.
IN FULL
Tottenham fans can be rejected from job working with Arsenal supporters, judge rules
