UK Football Policing Unit criticised for invoking Hillsborough in debate over drinking in stands
The UK Football Policing Unit has been criticised by the Football Supporters’ Association for “bringing Hillsborough into the debate” about proposals to allow alcohol to be consumed in view of the pitch, after comments by the prime minister Andy Burnham on Wednesday. Burnham said the rules were outdated and discriminatory and should be scrapped, a position immediately backed by the FSA.
Burnham’s remarks reignited discussion over the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol) Act 1985, which prohibits drinking in sight of the pitch in England and Wales in the top five men’s leagues. The FSA said it supported the prime minister’s call and argued that the law unfairly singles out football supporters. The debate has prompted differing views from match-going fans on social media.
The UKFPU urged caution in response, 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 unit added that “it would be ‘incredibly rash to make fundamental changes without a full examination of the evidence’.”
The policing unit also warned of enforcement challenges and of greater risks if alcohol consumption increased around matches, saying: “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.” The UKFPU has been contacted for comment.
The FSA published a thread on its X account that 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. Full stop. “Fans were ‘unlawfully killed and a catalogue of failings by police and the ambulance services contributed to their deaths’.”
The FSA’s thread went on to argue: “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. “That doesn’t mean every club should be forced to serve alcohol to every seat! 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. “Ultimately, we think clubs, in liaison with their supporters, should be able to determine what is best for themselves, rather than relying on legislation which is decades old and was written through the prism of viewing all football fans as potential hooligans.”
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. Burnham said: “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. “But I’m not going to back away from what’s been a long-held view of mine. I don’t see how it can be fair that some supporters of one sport can be treated differently from others.” The UKFPU said it would welcome a meeting with the prime minister to discuss his views and explain the challenges these proposed changes would bring to policing and the safety of staff and fans at football games.
