By GB News (Politics) | Created at 2026-09-23 22:26:46 | Updated at 2026-09-23 23:04:51
1 hour ago
Andy Burnham is set to lift a ban on drinking alcohol in the stands at football matches in an attack on the "singling out" of fans.
The Prime Minister previously voiced his frustration over the ban, before he entered Downing Street, that fans of top-flight football clubs were barred from drinking within sight of the pitch.
He said: "I do believe there is a case to remove that discrimination."
Under the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol) Act 1985, drinking in view of the pitch is prohibited in England and Wales.
The rule applies across the top five tiers of English football, from the Premier League down to the National League.
The law was introduced to help tackle football hooliganism, also banning alcohol consumption on buses and trains transporting fans to matches.
Although a 2021 fan-led review of football governance recommended the legislation be re-examined, police chiefs at the time strongly opposed any relaxation of the rules.
Fans in other sports, along with supporters of lower-league football clubs, are not subject to the same restrictions.
Mr Burnham and wife Marie-France van Heel react during an Everton match
PA
Speaking to reporters while being at the UN General Assembly in New York, Mr Burnham said it was "not fair" for football supporters to be treated differently.
He said: "I don't think it is 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. It could happen on a trial basis. But, I'm not going to back away from what has been a long held view of mine.
Fans enjoy a pint at the stalls after successful drinking trials for the Women's Super League
GETTY
"I don't see how it can be fair that some supporters of one sport can be treated differently."
Mr Burnham had previously described the drinking ban as "wrong" earlier this year.
The lifelong Everton supporter said "I think we need to look at that" after noticing rugby league fans were permitted to drink while watching matches at his football club's home ground.
He made the comments after attending Hill Dickinson Stadium with friends, including Liverpool city region mayor Mr Steve Rotheram, to watch Leigh Leopards defeat Warrington Wolves.
Both men were pictured holding pints during the match.
Mr Burnham said: "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?"
The comments have been welcomed by supporters' groups, though police have responded more cautiously.
Mr Tom Greatrex, chair of the Football Supporters Association, said: "The FSA has always argued that it's 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."
"Many clubs are in favour as well. Women's Super League and ran a successful pilot, meaning fans can now drink in the stands at many grounds, while the European Football League has long supported a trial.
"We welcome the Prime Minister's comments and totally agree that legislation is outdated and deserves to be reviewed. We look forward to being part of that consultation."
However, the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU), which advises and trains police forces across England and Wales, warned any change to the law would be "irresponsible".
A spokesman said: "The UKFPU would welcome a meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss his views and explain the challenges these proposed changes would bring to policing and the safety of staff and fans at football games."
They added other sports "simply do not see the violence and criminal behaviour from their supporters that football does", warning alcohol "often plays a significant part in violent and disorderly behaviour".
"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," they concluded.
In Scotland, alcohol has been banned from football grounds entirely, aside from corporate hospitality areas, since crowd trouble at the 1980 Scottish Cup Final between Celtic and Rangers.
Plans to lift the ban ahead of the EUFA Euro 2020 were also opposed by police at the time.
The dangers linked to alcohol and football violence were highlighted in 2012, when Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Chris Kirkland was assaulted on the pitch by an intoxicated Leeds United fan who had invaded the pitch.
The court heard the supporter had consumed several cans of lager and 0.75 litres of vodka before the match, followed by a further seven to 10 pints of cider.
He was jailed for 16 weeks and handed a six-year football banning order.
