Burnham says ban on alcohol for football fans in stands is 'discrimination'

Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, A Wrexham fan holds his pint of beer while watching his team play Charlton Athletic

Andy Burnham has branded a ban on fans being allowed to drink alcohol in the stands during men's football matches as "discrimination".

The prime minister told reporters that "I don't think it's fair for football fans to be singled out", as he suggested a change could be trialled.

Laws are in place which prevent drinking in view of the pitch at stadiums for clubs in the top five tiers of men's football in England. Other sports do not face such a restriction.

The Football Supporters' Association (FSA) said the "outdated" legislation should be reviewed, but police chiefs have warned against relaxing the law and would like to meet the PM to "explain the challenges".

The legislation was introduced in 1985 by Margaret Thatcher's government for English and Welsh football grounds. At the time, then-Home Secretary Leon Brittan said that alcohol was a "major contributory factor in violent and disorderly behaviour" in football grounds.

Burnham is a keen football fan and a season-ticket holder at Premier League team Everton.

Shortly before he became prime minister, he criticised the restriction on football fans as he attended a rugby league game at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium where it was possible for supporters to have a drink in the stands.

Speaking to reporters on his trip to the United Nations in New York, Burnham was asked if it was still his view now he is in Downing Street.

Burnham replied: "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. It could happen 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."

Government sources have stressed that Burnham was restating an opinion that he has long held, rather than making any sort of policy announcement.

The prime minister's comments are not being seen inside government as an indication that he is looking to change the law in the area.

A trial or pilot scheme to look at whether a change would be possible is not being ruled out but any wider move would require extensive consultation involving football clubs, fans and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport - none of which is currently planned.

A UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) spokesman warned that changes to the law would pose "challenges" to policing and the "safety of staff and fans at football games".

He said: "Other sports simply don't see the violence and criminal behaviour from their supporters that football does, albeit a minority, with alcohol often playing a significant part in violent and disorderly behaviour.

"It would be irresponsible to fuel this by allowing greater alcohol consumption during games."

He added it would be "incredibly rash to make fundamental changes without a full examination of the evidence and meaningful consultation with police practitioners who have the expertise in this area".

FSA chairman Tom Greatrex said it was "unfair to criminalise football fans for having a pint while watching the match - especially since you can sit in the same seat drinking alcohol whilst watching an Oasis gig or rugby league".

He said "many clubs" were in favour of a change, adding: "We welcome the prime minister's comments and totally agree that the legislation is outdated and deserves to be reviewed."

A fan-led review of football governance in 2021 called for the law to be re-examined.

The rules have been relaxed this season with all Women's Super League (WSL) clubs allowed to offer alcohol to supporters in the stands following two seasons of successful trials.

The law is more restrictive in Scotland, where the general sale of alcohol has been prohibited in Scottish football stadiums since 1981, but trial sales have been taking place recently and fans can now buy alcohol at Hampden Park games.

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