Andy Burnham has criticised a law prohibiting football fans from drinking alcohol in the stands during matches, describing the ban as 'wrong'. The avid Everton FC fan, tipped to become the next Prime Minister following the resignation of Sir Keir Starmer last month, said: 'I think we need to look at that'.
Burnham's Comments at Rugby Match
The former Mayor of Greater Manchester was attending a rugby league match at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool on Saturday, where Leigh Leopards were taking on Warrington Wolves. Mr Burnham made the comments after witnessing rugby league fans enjoying pints of beer while watching the game at the home of his football team.
The 56-year-old, who became the Labour MP for Makerfield in June after winning a high-profile by-election in the constituency, was speaking to reporters outside the newly-built ground when he remarked: 'I’ve only got one question, though, about this day today. How come these lads can do that in my seat here when we can’t do that at an Everton home game?' He added: 'Something wrong there. I think we need to look at that.'
Background of the Ban
The Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol) Act 1985 prohibits drinking in sight of the pitch in England and Wales. The fan-led review of football governance in 2021 called for the law to be re-examined. However, police chiefs warned against relaxing the law.
Burnham was at the ground with friends, including Liverpool metro mayor Steve Rotheram. The Labour leadership hopeful's comments come as he positions himself for a potential run at the premiership.
