FOOTBALL fans are set to be allowed to drink in the stands for the first time in 41 years.
wants to axe the 1985 act which bans boozing in view of the pitch but does not apply to supporters in any other sports.
PM Andy Burnham said tonight there was a “case to remove that discrimination perhaps on a trial basis”. He risks a row with cops but fan groups rejoiced.
For 41 years the act has applied in the top five men’s divisions in and , plus .
Everton-supporting said supporters had been “singled out” as fans of other sports, such as cricket and rugby, the action.
In New York tonight, he said was “very different” when the 1985 Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol) Act was introduced by the Conservatives to tackle hooliganism.
The PM added: “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.”
Tom Greatrex, of The Football Supporters’ Association agreed that the act is “outdated”.
He said: “We have always argued it’s unfair to criminalise fans for having a pint while watching the match — especially since you can sit in the same seat drinking while watching an gig or .”
A recent pilot had worked in the women’s game, he added.
Mr Burnham raised the issue before becoming PM after being seen drinking a pint watching rugby league at .
The 2021 Fan-Led Review of Football Governance first recommended trials of terrace boozing to aid lower league clubs — projecting League 2 sides could get £4.4 million extra a season in sales.
But the UK Football Policing Unit said: “It would be incredibly rash to make fundamental changes without a full examination of the evidence and consultation with practitioners who have expertise in this.”
- MR Burnham was given tickets worth £677 for the directors’ lounge at Everton in August, the MPs’ register of interests reveals
THE CASE FOR...
By Alex James, Blur star, Bournemouth fan
FOOTBALL matches are about the only times crowds all sing together instinctively and without any accompanying music.
To be winning and singing, with all your mates is one of the greatest feelings there is.
I always feel more like singing after a couple of beers so I’m all for a couple à la terrace. A piping hot cider would hit the spot in the dark depths of February.
But as the world’s greatest guzzlers, can we be trusted? Before the Premier League, our football was marred by alcohol- fuelled hooliganism and violence.
We never want to go back there.
But I do think the FA should treat us like adults.
You can drink beer while you watch your favourite band so why not your team?
Drinking beer and watching football at the same time would reunite two great institutions. In a challenging world, it’s surely every Brit’s basic birthright.
THE CASE AGAINST...
By Peter Nuttall, Sun man, Brighton fan
THE cross comes in and it spins off the head of your centre forward into the top corner. Goal!!!
Unfortunately, you didn’t see it. At the crucial moment a bloke lurched past you on the way to the bar, obscuring your view.
Ten minutes later, he’s on his way back — squeezing past with six pints of lager precariously wedged into a cardboard tray.
Give it another ten minutes and he’ll be up again, this time on the way to the loo.
Half-an-hour later and everyone in the stand appears to have a pint in their hand.
But, if your team scores, another large proportion of that beer will be flying through the air and landing on your head.
While being able to sup in the stands sounds perfectly pleasant, in reality fans will find the constant standing up and sitting down more irritating than VAR.
There’s plenty of time to drink at half-time and after the game. Why not just watch the match?
