Salford City fans enjoyed a legal drink while watching Saturday's match against Chesterfield FC from a unique vantage point: a 50-metre crane. The stunt, organised by Fireball Whisky, highlighted frustration over the 1985 Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol) Act, which bans alcohol 'in sight of the pitch' at football matches.
Two fans were hoisted above the stadium to watch the 2-0 victory, joining content creators Tom Garratt and Tom Nestor. The move comes as a survey of 2,000 football fans found that half believe the ban should be lifted, with 25% saying it encourages pre-match overindulgence.
Lorenzo Farronato, spokesperson for Fireball, said: 'Football fans deserve fun. The rules say no alcohol in view of the pitch - so we gave fans a better view alongside a drink.' Tom Garratt added: 'The hottest seat isn't just a stunt; it's a reminder that football can be fun, inclusive and a bit rebellious.'
The ban has been in place for nearly four decades, but critics label it 'outdated' and 'inconvenient'. The survey also revealed that 71% of fans enjoy a pint while watching matches, with two-thirds saying it is essential to the matchday experience.
