Worthing FC’s chairman has welcomed comments by prime minister Andy Burnham that the alcohol ban on football fans in stands and on terraces is unfair.

As the law stands, spectators at matches in the top five tiers of English football – from the Premier League to the National League – can only drink on concourses, and not within view of the pitch.

It is something that does not apply to other sports.

For Worthing, it is a new rule – it has only applied to them this season following their promotion from National League South last season.

Worthing fans at Woodside Road - where they are not allowed to drink alcohol within sight of the pitch | Picture: Jay Wrighte

placeholder image — Worthing fans at Woodside Road - where they are not allowed to drink alcohol within sight of the pitch | Picture: Jay Wrighte

Burnham said: "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. It could happen 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."

At this stage, Burnham’s comments are seen as just an opinion being aired – but moves towards a trial lifting of the ban have not been ruled out.

Consultation with police forces and local authorities would be needed were changes to be proposed.

But Barry Hunter, chairman of Worthing, said they’d be in favour of the ban being removed – for a number of reasons.

He told us: “We would welcome a lifting of the ban. It would appeal to a section of our supporters, reduce the cost of policing the current policy and help clubs recover much needed income.”

Crawley Town have said they would have mixed views about any prposed lifting of the ban.

Brighton, the only other football club in Sussex where the drinking-in-the-stands ban applies, have not commented on Burnham’s view.