'Imagine 10,000 pints when they score!' - Leeds United fans give their take on PM's plan to let them drink in the stands
The Prime Minister called the drinking ban in the stands 'discrimination'
Leeds United fans have given their take on the football fan drinking ban in the stands.
The Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc) Act 1985 prohibits drinking in sight of the pitch in England and Wales. Prime Minister Andy Burnham recently stated the ban was “unfair” and “discrimination” in reference to other sports without similar ruling, suggesting a trial run reforming the act was in order.
The English Football League [EFL] was open to the idea, calling EFL fixtures “low risk” unlike 40 years ago. However, it was met with criticism from the UK Football Policing Unit who called it “incredibly rash" and “irresponsible,” citing how challenging it would be to maintain safety during a trial
Lifelong Leeds fan and retired locksmith Michael Kirk, 65, said: “It goes back to football violence and you don’t get much of that anymore. Definitely outdated."
Graphic designer Jonathan Barrett, 51, said: “I agree with the ban. You don’t want people throwing it, for a start. The other sports don’t have the history of violence. You could maybe trial it in some of the lower leagues. I’m all for drinking a beer while watching a match but imagine 10,000 people all with a pint in their hands when they score! It would go everywhere.”
Retired sales manager Martin Myers, 73, said: “I think the majority of the people would be fine but there’s always going to be a minority carrying on with rival supporters.
Property developer Richard Rose, 65, said: “The trouble is, alcohol and young lads does cause trouble. End of story. It has done throughout time. You get into your 40s and 50s, you’re a bit more sensible.
“You can go to Rugby League. I’ve been to Wigan versus Leeds with 18,000 there and one police officer – and where is he? He’s on the street directing traffic. It’s a different mindset. In football, the rivalry between teams is tribal.”