Ban on football fans drinking in stands is branded as discrimination

[Roberty]

Burnham brands ban on football fans drinking alcohol in stands as 'discrimination'

Andy Burnham has branded a ban on fans being allowed to drink alcohol in the stands during men's football matches as "discrimination". The prime minister told reporters that "I don't think it's fair for football fans to be singled out", as he suggested a change could be trialled. Laws are in place which prevent drinking in view of the pitch at stadiums for clubs in the top five tiers of men's football in England. Other sports do not face such a restriction.

A UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) spokesman warned that changes to the law would pose "challenges" to policing and the "safety of staff and fans at football games". He said: "Other sports simply don't see the violence and criminal behaviour from their supporters that football does, albeit a minority, with alcohol often playing a significant part in violent and disorderly behaviour. "It would be irresponsible to fuel this by allowing greater alcohol consumption during games." He added it would be "incredibly rash to make fundamental changes without a full examination of the evidence and meaningful consultation with police practitioners who have the expertise in this area".

FSA chairman Tom Greatrex said it was "unfair to criminalise football fans for having a pint while watching the match - especially since you can sit in the same seat drinking alcohol whilst watching an Oasis gig or rugby league". He said "many clubs" were in favour of a change, adding: "We welcome the prime minister's comments and totally agree that the legislation is outdated and deserves to be reviewed."

This is an extract from a longer piece on the BBC website - link below - any views.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c933ky0nknxko


I thinks the ban is counter productive in that it encourages fans to drink excessively before games and that any residual bad behaviour might be magnified by that.
It is now also the case that once in the ground it is easy, with all-seater stadiums and the CCTV coverage, to see any troublesome fans and identify them because the ticketing process records so much personal data.

This ban on alcohol only applies to ground in the top five division's of English Football.

I noticed that the Dockers Derby took place last weekend and was largely trouble free. I think 6 arrests for what were reported as minor offences.

[cookieg]

I think that ship has sailed. Stewards are reluctant to eject away fans from home ends in case it causes more trouble, I can't see them being too keen to eject any fans that have had too much to drink without a police presence.

[HobGoblin]

Not a good idea at all. Concentrate of doing PM job. Leave football and managing fans to the police, clubs etc

[KJS]

Another sound bite to boost dwindling support for this inept government, it will drive people away from going to football if they bring this back, its bad enough mow with people going in and out of their seats during a match, plus we all know people with beer will launch it if a goal is scored covering other fans with beer which in turn would probably lead to an aggressive response, its not broken dont try and fix it 🙄

[Southcoastffc]

Fortunately I've never been in a fan zone where, when a team scores, pints of beer are thrown in the air.  Very bad idea IMO.

[bog]

Lucy Powell was on the BBC this morning championing an improvement in behaviour at football grounds over the last 20 years. Look love, don't you think that because drink has not been allowed for those 20 years may have something to do with this? Spectators unable to go without a drink for two 45 periods is hardly discriminatory. Total nonsense.

Thank you and good night     

[bog]

Fortunately I've never been in a fan zone where, when a team scores, pints of beer are thrown in the air.  Very bad idea IMO.

I have no wish to be showered in beer.   

[FFC007]

I think he's got more problems to worry about that drinking in the stands.

This is a bad move. I wanna watch a game without suffering the stench of alcoholics and loudmouths boozed up chanting obscenities.

Then there's the problem of conflict and stewards getting injured if they get to throw them out.

[iansthailand]

As a non-drinker it's easy to be holier than thou but if someone can't go 2 hours without a drink then they need to seek help.

[SP]

Having had four pints of lager spilt down my back at Twickenham last year it's a definite no from me.

[MikeTheCubed]

Agree that there shouldn't be a law against this, though it should be at the discretion of football clubs who I'd expect would continue to forbid it anyway.

[Rupert]

Having had four pints of lager spilt down my back at Twickenham last year it's a definite no from me.

You must really have upset the bloke behind you if he wanted to make you move that much at £8 a pint.

[RaySmith]

I think there is much less trouble at games now, because to afford to attend games today, you need a pretty good job, which you wouldn't want to risk with a police record, and are probably not a violent yob anyway.

But, it seems civilised to allow fans to drink in their seats if they want to, and avoid the rush at half time, but I'm not in favour of beer throwing, which should not be allowed.

[Woolly Mammoth]

Lucy Powell was on the BBC this morning championing an improvement in behaviour at football grounds over the last 20 years. Look love, don't you think that because drink has not been allowed for those 20 years may have something to do with this? Spectators unable to go without a drink for two 45 periods is hardly discriminatory. Total nonsense.

Thank you and good night     

You are the voice of reason Mr Bog.

[Woolly Mammoth]

I think there is much less trouble at games now, because to afford to attend games today, you need a pretty good job, which you wouldn't want to risk with a police record, and are probably not a violent yob anyway.

But, it seems civilised to allow fans to drink in their seats if they want to, and avoid the rush at half time, but I'm not in favour of beer throwing, which should not be allowed.

You must try and refrain from throwing Beer Ray, it's a waste of good English Ale.

[Woolly Mammoth]

As a non-drinker it's easy to be holier than thou but if someone can't go 2 hours without a drink then they need to seek help.

Precisely

[bog]

Lucy Powell was on the BBC this morning championing an improvement in behaviour at football grounds over the last 20 years. Look love, don't you think that because drink has not been allowed for those 20 years may have something to do with this? Spectators unable to go without a drink for two 45 periods is hardly discriminatory. Total nonsense.

Thank you and good night     

You are the voice of reason Mr Bog.

Not sure of that sir, but at 81 I am increasingly p***** off by illogical decisions made by those in power of so many operations, ie FIFA.

   

[General]

Not a good idea at all. Concentrate of doing PM job. Leave football and managing fans to the police, clubs etc

He has a point. Many sports allow fans and expect fans to behave decently despite being allowed to take alcohol into the stands with them. Football fans can be a lot more thuggish/loutish, which is always going to be a going concern, but many fans aren't and can handle themselves properly. I think if fans drink heavily before games and seem clearly drunk beforehand then simply don't let them into the grounds.

[Thailand Mick]

Looking at social media I think he will be surprised at the reaction to this suggestion. Maybe OK for lower league clubs financially but that would be the only good reason. He seems to be trying to please everyone instead of dealing with the real problems.

[Southcoastffc]

And, what would Mr Burnham's suggested move do to the hospitality industry near football grounds??