"It's Discrimination!" British PM Calls for End to "Nonsensical" Stadium Alcohol Ban

He argues it's unfair to single out football fans this way, especially when supporters of other sports are permitted to drink alcohol while watching their teams.

The ban was implemented in the 1980s, a period marked by a surge in football hooliganism, and applies to the top five tiers of English football.

However, Burnham, an Everton fan himself, believes the measure dates back to an "entirely different era for football." The Football Supporters' Association (FSA) in England has welcomed the Prime Minister's comments, highlighting successful pilot programs in women's football that have allowed alcohol consumption in the stands.

Police officials, however, have cautioned that making changes without proper consultation with police forces would be "extremely premature."

"I don't think it's fair to single out football fans in this manner, and I've made that point clear. I believe there are valid reasons to remove this discrimination. It can be done in various ways, perhaps even on a trial basis. However, I will not back down from a view I've held for a long time. I don't consider it fair for fans of one sport to be treated differently from others," dpa quoted Burnham as saying.