English football’s leading fans’ group has criticised the UK Football Policing Unit for “bringing Hillsborough into the debate” around drinking in sight of the pitch. Talk of changing the law to allow fans to drink at their seat or in the stands has resurfaced after Andy Burnham, the prime minister, said the rules were outdated and discriminatory and should be scrapped. The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) immediately backed his call but the UKFPU urged caution, stating: “Following a number of football-related tragedies, changes in legislation were implemented after the Taylor Report for good reason and we are currently in the longest ever period without a significant football-related disaster.” The UKFPU added it would be “incredibly rash to make fundamental changes without a full examination of the evidence”.
It would be irresponsible to fuel this by allowing greater alcohol consumption during games.” The Taylor Report referenced by the UKFPU was commissioned in the wake of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, which resulted in the deaths of 97 Liverpool fans. The FSA published a thread on its X account setting out its position on drinking in the stands, which began: “Arguably the most important point is that the UK Football Policing Unit’s comments bringing Hillsborough into this debate have to be corrected. The disaster was not caused by alcohol.
The laws around alcohol, which we acknowledge were first introduced in 1985, are one of a range of measures in addition to the subsequent Taylor Report recommendations that have contributed to making football much safer for fans in this country.” Burnham’s comments have sparked social media debate in which differing views have been expressed by match-going fans. The FSA’s post on Thursday added: “It’s unfair to criminalise fans for having a pint – especially since you can sit in the same seat drinking alcohol whilst watching an Oasis gig or rugby league. We are fundamentally sceptical of any law which is only targeted at football supporters.
A club should have the choice to do what is right for its fans. Consultation is critical, some stadiums or stands might not be suitable (eg family areas) whereas it might be popular elsewhere. Burnham said on Wednesday: “I don’t think it’s fair for football fans to be singled out in that way and I made that point.
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.
I don’t see how it can be fair that some supporters of one sport can be treated differently from others.”
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