Antony Ryan, who grew up in Liverpool, felt “insulted” after being told to “calm down, calm down” by Margaret Robertson, it was said. Mr Ryan said he was so offended, he missed two days work and was sacked for unauthorised absence.

       He went to the tribunal claiming the Scotland-based employer was discriminating against him on racial grounds.

       In Harry Enfield’s routine, moustachioed, shell-suited “Scousers” would nearly come to blows before one eased the tension with the catchphrase: “All right, all right, calm down, calm down.”

       But Mr Ryan’s claims were dismissed. The tribunal panel ruled that, although the -comment may have been unprofessional and uncalled for, his race discrimination claim failed as he was not being mocked over his “national origin”.

       It found there was no discrimination against him as the comment only related to Mr Ryan being from Liverpool and not England.

       Mr Ryan had been working for R Robertson & Son, a coach hire service in Shetland.