Burnham says ban on football fans drinking in stands is ‘wrong’

Acting Prime Minister Andy Burnham said it was “wrong” to ban fans from drinking alcohol in the stands.

“I think we need to look at that,” an Everton supporter said after rugby league fans were allowed to drink while watching a match at his football team’s home ground.

The Labor leadership hopeful joined friends, including Liverpool mayor Steve Rotheram, at the Hill Dickinson Stadium to watch Leigh Leopards beat Warrington Wolves on Saturday. Both were seen holding beer glasses in their hands.

“I have one question about today, though,” said Mr. Burnham.

“How come these kids can do this in my seat when we can’t do this in the home game against Everton?

“There’s a problem there. I think we need to look into it.”

The Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol) Act 1985 prohibits drinking in front of the pitch in England and Wales.

A fan-led review into football governance in 2021 has called for a re-examination of the law.

But police chiefs warned against relaxing the law.