Prime Minister Andy Burnham has suggested that the long-standing ban on drinking alcohol in view of the pitch at football matches could be overturned, but the proposal has been met with criticism from some supporters and figures in the game.
Burnham argues ban unfairly targets football fans
Burnham, a self-described huge Everton fan, argued it was unfair that football fans cannot have a pint during a match in the stands, unlike their rugby or cricket counterparts. He suggested that antiquated laws have unfairly "singled out" football supporters.
However, any attempt to abolish the ban is likely to face strong resistance from the police, who maintain that drinking on terraces contributes to unruly behaviour. The idea has already been slammed by some football fans on social media.
Ban dates back to 1985 legislation
Since 1985, under legislation introduced by Margaret Thatcher to combat football hooliganism during a period of heightened matchday violence, drinking alcohol within view of the pitch has been prohibited in England and Wales. The current rules are enforced within 15 minutes of kick-off and the final whistle.
Under existing regulations, fans are still permitted to enjoy a pint within the concourse. However, critics argue this encourages binge drinking before games or hurried consumption during half time.
PM responds to questions on the ban
When asked if he would abolish the ban, Burnham responded: "I don't think it's fair for football fans to be singled out in that way and I made that point."
"I think that legislation dates to an era where football was very different. And I do believe there is a case to remove that discrimination. There are different ways it could be done, perhaps on a trial basis. But I'm not going to back away from what's been a long held view of mine. I don't see how it can be fair that some supporters of one sport can be treated differently."
The Toffees supporter had previously argued it was unfair that he could enjoy a beer while watching rugby league at the club's Hill Dickinson Stadium, but not during football matches. In a social media video while clutching a pint, he said: "How come these lads can do that in my seat here when we can't do that at an Everton home game? There's something wrong there, we need to take a look at that."
Football figures and fans criticise proposal
Marc White, the owner and manager of National League South club Dorking Wanderers, said: "Who is this guy?! Politics and vote scoring doesn’t belong in football, and if it did, fix the real issues in the game. A ridiculous short sighted idea that most football fans don’t want. It took years to clean up the game!"
One fan fumed: "Plenty of time to drink before, HT & after, I don’t fancy getting drenched by some weapon who thinks it’s funny to launch £6 into the sky, just to make everyone but themselves soaking wet."
"People will be in an out all the time to get a beer or have a p***, it's unnecessary," a third shared. And a fourth added: "Genuinely does anyone even want this? Can’t be arsed getting soaked in beer every week..."
Another fan said: "Whilst I understand Andy Burnham not wanting football fans to be demonised in relation to other sections of society and I make him right, I have zero desire to have drinking in the stands. People will be in an out all the time to get a beer or have a p***, it's unnecessary."
