Andy Burnham, the Labour leadership hopeful and Everton supporter, has criticised the law that prohibits football fans from drinking alcohol in the stands, calling it 'wrong'. Speaking after watching a rugby league match at Everton's home ground, the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Burnham questioned why the same rules do not apply to rugby league games.
Burnham's Experience at the Rugby Match
On Saturday, Burnham attended the Betfred Super League match between Leigh Leopards and Warrington Wolves, accompanied by Liverpool metro mayor Steve Rotheram and other friends. During the match, Burnham observed fans, including Rotheram, drinking pints of beer in the stands—an activity that is illegal at football matches in the same stadium.
Burnham 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? Something wrong there. I think we need to look at that.'
The Current Law
The Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol) Act 1985 prohibits drinking alcohol in sight of the pitch at football matches in England and Wales. This law does not apply to rugby league or other sports, leading to what Burnham perceives as an inconsistency.
Calls for Review
The fan-led review of football governance in 2021 recommended that the law be re-examined. However, police chiefs have warned against relaxing the ban, citing concerns about public order and safety.
Burnham's comments add to the ongoing debate about whether the law should be updated to reflect modern attitudes and the differing experiences of fans across sports.
