Burnham: I want to bring back drinking at football matches

Andy Burnham has said he hopes to lift the ban on drinking during football matches to tackle "discrimination" against fans of his favourite sport.

The Prime Minister said it was not fair for football fans to be "singled out" and refused alcohol service in stadiums, when rugby and cricket supporters are allowed to drink.

Speaking to reporters covering the UN summit in New York, Mr Burnham called for a change to the law, which he said could be done on a "trial basis".

It is illegal to drink in view of a football pitch in England, under a law passed in 1985 in response to widespread hooliganism during matches and the Taylor Report, an official review of the Hillsborough Disaster.

In July, Mr Burnham said that the ban was "wrong" because it only applied to football, adding: "I think we need to look at that."

A 2021 fan-led review of the game recommended that the rules on alcohol be reviewed, but police chiefs have opposed any changes, pointing to the likelihood of more misbehaviour from fans.

This week, Mr Burnham told reporters: "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."

Scottish football stadiums, where alcohol has been banned entirely since 1981, have recently begun trials to allow fans to drink before kick-off.

Supporters were allowed to buy alcohol at Hampden Park for national matches against Japan and Curaçao earlier this year.

The Football Supporters' Association (FSA), which represents fans, welcomed Mr Burnham's position on Wednesday.

Tom Greatrex, the chairman of the FSA, 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. The Women's Super League and Women's Super League 2 ran a successful pilot, meaning fans can now drink in the stands at many grounds, while the English Football League has long supported a trial.

"We welcome the Prime Minister's comments and totally agree that the legislation is outdated and deserves to be reviewed. We look forward to being part of that consultation."

Lifting ban would be 'incredibly rash'

However, police responsible for manning football matches urged Mr Burnham to be cautious, arguing that criminal behaviour was more common among football fans and that a change to the law would be "incredibly rash".

A UK Football Policing Unit (UKPFU) 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.

"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.

"Following a number of football-related tragedies, changes in legislation were implemented after the Taylor Report for good reason and we are currently in the longest-ever period without a significant football-related disaster.

"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."

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