00:01Prime Minister Andy Burnham has backed a potential change to the rules around drinking alcohol inside football grounds,
00:12arguing that supporters should not be treated differently from fans at other sports.
00:18The Prime Minister has now suggested that the current restrictions could be reviewed potentially through a trial allowing alcohol to
00:28be consumed in view of the pitch.
00:32Supporters can still buy alcohol inside stadiums but must consume it in the concourse away from the immediate view of
00:41the pitch.
00:43Burnham believes the legislation reflects a different era of football and has pointed to rugby and cricket where supporters are
00:53generally allowed to drink while watching the matches.
00:56There is already a precedent in the women's game with an 18-month trial allowing alcohol in view of the
01:06pitch leading to the rule being adopted by the women's Super League and WSL2.
01:13However, police have urged caution with this, warning that alcohol can contribute to disorder and that any changes should follow
01:23a full review and consultation with the police as well.
01:28The reaction has been fairly split online to the potential rule change with many journalists and supporters coming out in
01:37support of the current rule.
01:38It is a decision that Andy Burnham may face more opposition than he was expecting.
