Andy Burnham has called for the ban on drinking alcohol in the stands at football matches to be overturned, arguing that it unfairly singles out football supporters and reflects outdated attitudes from the 1980s. He said fans of other sports can drink while watching matches, and suggested the rules could be changed gradually, potentially through trials.

The Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol) Act 1985 prohibits drinking in view of the pitch at matches in the top five tiers of English men’s football. Supporters’ groups and many clubs back a review, pointing to successful alcohol trials in the women’s game, but football police leaders warn that alcohol can contribute to violence and disorder and say changing the law without detailed evidence and consultation would be reckless.