United Kingdom Prime Minister Andy Burnham has backed the return of alcohol to football stands, but police have warned that scrapping the long-standing ban could create fresh safety concerns.
Burnham said football fans were unfairly treated compared with supporters at other sports and suggested the rules could be relaxed on a trial basis.
Speaking while travelling to New York, he said the legislation dated back to an era when football was ‘very different’.
He also argued there was a case for removing what he described as ‘discrimination’ against football supporters.
Alcohol has been prohibited within sight of the pitch at matches in England and Wales since 1985.
The government introduced these restrictions due to widespread concerns over hooliganism and crowd disorder.
However, Burnham believes football has changed significantly since then.
He wants supporters to have the same opportunity to enjoy a drink in their seats as fans at sports such as rugby and cricket.
The UK Football Policing Unit has strongly opposed the idea of increasing alcohol consumption inside football grounds.
A spokesperson said alcohol was often a significant factor in violent and disorderly behaviour among a minority of football supporters.
They warned that it would be ‘irresponsible’ to fuel such incidents by allowing fans to drink more during matches.
Police chiefs also called for a meeting with Burnham to explain how any changes could affect the safety of supporters and staff.
They argued that reforms introduced following football-related tragedies were made for good reason.
They said it would be ‘incredibly rash’ to make fundamental changes without examining the evidence and consulting policing experts.
The debate has garnered support from football authorities and supporters’ groups.
The English Football League has said it would welcome a review, while the Football Supporters’ Association believes the legislation is outdated.
Women’s football has been a test case, with supporters allowed to drink while viewing the pitch at many Women’s Super League and WSL2 grounds following an 18-month trial.
Burnham’s proposal could now lead to a wider examination of whether similar rules should apply to men’s football.
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