English football's leading fans' group has criticised the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) for "bringing Hillsborough into the debate" concerning drinking in sight of the pitch. This follows Prime Minister Andy Burnham's comments that rules prohibiting alcohol consumption in stands are outdated and discriminatory.
The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) supported Mr Burnham's call to change the law, which would allow fans to drink at their seats or in the stands. However, the UKFPU urged caution, stating that changes in legislation were implemented after the Taylor Report for good reason and that it would be "incredibly rash to make fundamental changes without a full examination of the evidence."
The UKFPU also expressed willingness to meet with the Prime Minister to discuss his views and explain the challenges such changes could bring to policing and safety at football games. They noted that "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."
The FSA, in a post on its X account, stated that the UKFPU's comments linking Hillsborough to the debate needed correction, asserting: "The disaster was not caused by alcohol. Full stop." The association also argued it is unfair to criminalise football fans for having a pint when alcohol can be consumed in the same seat at other events like an Oasis gig or rugby league matches.
The Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol) Act 1985 currently prohibits drinking in sight of the pitch in England and Wales in the top five men’s leagues. Mr Burnham said on Wednesday that he does not believe it is fair for football fans to be singled out and that he sees a case to remove this discrimination, potentially on a trial basis.