Andy Burnham has thrown his weight behind ending the ban on supporters drinking alcohol within sight of the pitch at football matches, describing the existing rules as discriminatory and out of step with modern football.
The Prime Minister, a 56-year-old Everton fan who regularly attends matches, raised the issue while travelling to New York for the UN General Assembly. He has long opposed the restrictions, which date to the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act 1985, drawn up by Margaret Thatcher's government at a time when hooliganism and disorder at grounds were widespread concerns.
"I don't think it's fair for football fans to be singled out in that way and I made that point," Burnham told reporters on the plane. "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."
The ban covers the top five tiers of men's football in England and Wales. Fans remain entitled to drink on concourses but not in their seats. Burnham had previously drawn attention to the contrast at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium, where rugby league supporters face no such restriction.
The Football Supporters' Association welcomed his intervention. FSA chairman Tom Greatrex argued the law unfairly criminalises football fans for behaviour permitted at rugby league and concerts, noted that many clubs and the EFL had long supported a trial, and said the FSA looked forward to being part of any consultation.
The women's game has already moved in this direction. Following an 18-month trial, clubs in the Women's Super League and WSL2 have been permitted to offer alcohol to fans within view of the pitch since the start of this season. Of the 26 clubs across the two divisions, 25 have chosen to take up that option at all their home games.
Police chiefs pushed back. A spokesperson for the UK Football Policing Unit said the organisation would welcome a meeting with Burnham but warned that other sports do not see the levels of violence and criminal behaviour associated with football, with alcohol frequently a contributing factor. The spokesperson said changes brought in following the Taylor Report were made for sound reasons, and that the game was currently in its longest period without a significant football-related disaster. Any fundamental changes, the spokesperson added, should only come after full examination of the evidence and meaningful consultation with policing practitioners.
Marc White, owner and manager of National League South club Dorking Wanderers, was sharply critical, saying: "Who is this guy?! Politics and vote scoring doesn't belong in football, and if it did, fix the real issues in the game. A ridiculous short sighted idea that most football fans don't want. It took years to clean up the game!"
The English Football League indicated it would be open to a review. A spokesperson described the current legislation as having failed to keep pace with significant developments in stadium management, safety and stewarding since its introduction. The government, however, is not treating Burnham's remarks as a signal that legislative change is imminent, with his comments regarded as a personal view rather than official policy.
Reporting: Inside World Football, Daily Star, talkSPORT, ESPN, The Athletic, The Guardian.