Prime Minister says drinking ban in football stands could be lifted - Sheffielders have their say
Drinking alcohol in the stands at football games has been illegal since 1985, which Prime Minister Andy Burnham has described as unfair
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has suggested that a ban on boozing in the stands at football matches is unfair.
It was introduced after widespread concerns about football hooliganism and disorder during the 1980s.
The PM said he believes the ban to be wrong while on a trip to the UN in New York this week.
He said: “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.”
The issue was briefly raised by Mr Burnham shortly before starting his term at No. 10 in July, when rugby league fans were able to drink while watching the action at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The PM noted how supporters of other sports teams are able to drink while watching their teams.
He said: “I don’t think it’s fair for football fans to be singled out in that way and I made that point.”
“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 from others.”
The prospect of being able to enjoy a pint from the football stands has been met with scepticism by football fans in Sheffield.
Rob Darrington, 45, an avid Wednesday fan from Hillsborough, said: “I think supporters have enough opportunity before a game, during half-time and certainly after the match to carry on the socials.
“During the match itself, people are there to watch the game and it’s 45 minutes a half - I’m sure we can survive without a drink in the stands.”
Kevin Oxley, 63, a long-time Middlesbrough FC supporter from County Durham, said: “Accidental spills in the excitement of somebody scoring, beer will get thrown around.
“I think as it is, is how it should stay going forward.”
Maciej Glogowskr, 23, a Manchester United supporter from Sheffield, said: “For the most part it’s a decent idea. Obviously there’s that issue of people throwing pints after a goal is scored.”
The PM has said the change could be introduced on a trial basis, but the rules remain unchanged for now.
For now, football fans will still have to leave their pints at the bar if they want to watch the action from the stands.
The Star asked both of Sheffield’s clubs for their vies on the potential lifting of the ban.
A Sheffield United spokesperson said: “We have noted the news and will monitor developments with interest,” while a Sheffield Wednesday spokesperson said they would be seeing how things develop before commenting further.