Alcohol in the stands again? Andy Burnham questions ban on alcohol in English football

Cheering towards the lawn again with a pint in your hand? British Prime Minister Andy Burnham is toying with lifting the ban on alcohol in the stands of English football stadiums.

The ban on football fans only was discriminatory and unfair, Burnham told the PA news agency. “I don’t think it’s fair to single out football fans in this way.” Since 1985, drinking within sight of the pitch has been banned by law in the top five leagues of English men's football. The ban was implemented when concerns about escalations caused by violent hooligans reached their peak at the time.

The legislation comes from a time when football was different, said the Labor politician, who is himself an avowed football fan and supporter of the Everton FC club. The lifting of the ban could also be implemented on a trial basis, he suggested.

Criticism from police circles

The advocacy group Football Supporters' Association (FSA) welcomed the Prime Minister's move. “The FSA has always argued that it is unfair to criminalize football fans for drinking a beer during the game,” said FSA chairman Tom Greatrex, according to a statement. You can drink alcohol in exactly the same seats and stands “when you watch an Oasis concert or a rugby league game”.

The British police force responsible for football, the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU), is critical of the lifting of the ban and warns against making a hasty decision. In other sports there is “not the level of violence and criminal behavior that we see in football,” the UKFPU said, according to PA. Although this is a minority, alcohol often plays a significant role in such escalations.