British Prime Minister, Andy Burnham has hinted that the drinking ban in stands at football matches could potentially become a thing of the past.
Mr Burnham made these comments during a trip to the UN in New York, having previously said that the ban was wrong, prior to entering Downing Street.
Under current laws, drinking in the stands at football matches has been prohibited since 1985, when it was made illegal due to concerns about hooliganism.
"I don't think it's fair for football fans to be singled out in that way and I made that point", Mr Burnham said on his trip to the Big Apple. "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 - it could happen on a trial basis".
Mr Burnham who is an Everton FC supporter, added: "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".
Responding to this, the UK Football Policing Unit said it would like to meet with Prime Minister Burnham in order 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".
They added: "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".
Elsewhere, Tom Greatrex, chairman of the Football Supporters Association, said the organisation also felt it was "unfair to criminalise football fans for having a pint while watching the match".
"The FSA has always argued that it's unfair to criminalise football fans for having a pint while watching the match - especially since you can sit in the same seat drinking alcohol while watching an Oasis gig or rugby league.
"Many clubs are in favour as well. WSL and WSL2 ran a successful pilot, meaning fans can now drink in the stands at many grounds, while the EFL has long supported a trial".
He added: "We welcome the Prime Minister's comments and totally agree that the legislation is outdated and deserves to be reviewed. We look forward to being part of that consultation".
(All quotes according to Sky Sports.com).
