United Kingdom Prime Minister Andy Burnham is pushing back against England’s restrictions on alcohol at men’s soccer matches, calling the ban "discrimination" and suggesting the rules could be tested on a trial basis.
Burnham told reporters, "I don’t think it’s fair for football fans to be singled out," as he argued that they should not face restrictions that do not apply to spectators at other sporting events.
Under current laws, fans are prohibited from drinking alcohol in view of the pitch at stadiums hosting clubs in England’s top five tiers of men’s football. Those restrictions do not apply to other sports.
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The Football Supporters’ Association, which advocates for football fans in England and Wales, has called for the "outdated" legislation to be reviewed. Police chiefs, however, have warned against relaxing the law and want to meet with Burnham to "explain the challenges."
The legislation dates to 1985, when it was introduced by Margaret Thatcher’s government for football grounds in England and Wales. Then-Home Secretary Leon Brittan said alcohol was a "major contributory factor in violent and disorderly behavior" at stadiums.
Burnham’s connection to the sport is personal. He is a proud football fan and a season-ticket holder at Everton, the Premier League club.
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Prior to becoming the head of government of the U. K. , Burnham spoke out against restrictions on football fans while attending a rugby league match at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium. Unlike during men’s football games, spectators were allowed to consume alcohol in the stands.
While in New York City for the United Nations General Assembly, Burnham was asked whether his position had changed now that he was in Downing Street. "I think that legislation dates to an era where football was very different," the prime minister replied.
"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 told the BBC that Burnham was restating a long-held personal view rather than announcing a new government policy. Within government, however, the comments are not being interpreted as a sign that Burnham intends to change the law, according to the outlet.
A spokesman for the U. K. Football Policing Unit warned that changing the law could create new challenges for police and raise concerns about the "safety of staff and fans at football games."
The spokesman said: "Other sports simply don't see the violence and criminal behavior from their supporters that football does, albeit a minority, with alcohol often playing a significant part in violent and disorderly behavior."
FSA chairman Tom Greatrex pushed back against that argument, saying it was "unfair to criminalize football fans for having a pint while watching the match, especially since you can sit in the same seat drinking alcohol (while) watching an Oasis gig or rugby league."
England has already taken a different approach in the Women’s Super League, where all clubs can serve alcohol in the stands this season after two successful trial campaigns.