Andy Burnham has hinted he could lift the ban on drinking alcohol in the stands at football matches in England.The prime minister has labelled the football stadium restrictions as ‘discrimination’ and suggested the possibility of a change being trialled.A ban on drinking alcohol in the stands at football matches could be changedGettySupporters at grounds in England and Wales have been banned from drinking alcohol within view of the pitch since 1985.The legislation was introduced by Margaret Thatcher’s government, with fan violence and disorder cited as contributing factors.At present, the ban still applies to the top five divisions in England, but other sports do not face the same restrictions.Burnham previously criticised the law whilst attending a rugby league match at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.Meanwhile, a fan-led review of football governance called for the ban to be re-examined back in 2021.The Toffees fan has now reiterated his opposition to the legislation.Burnham on football’s alcohol banSpeaking to reporters in New York during his visit to the United Nations, Burnham was asked if his view remains the same now he is prime minister.He explained: “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.Burnham has branded the current restrictions on fans drinking in the stands as ‘discrimination’Getty“I don’t see how it can be fair that some supporters of one sport can be treated differently.”According to the BBC, Burnham’s comments were not a policy announcement in any way.Meanwhile, it is not being seen within government as an indication the law could be changed.There remains a possibility a trial or pilot scheme could be introduced to allow fans to drink alcohol in the stands at matches, though.Recent changes to the alcohol banRules were recently relaxed within women’s football at the start of this season.Following two seasons of trials, clubs in the Women’s Super League are now permitted to offer alcohol to supporters in the stands.The ban has been in place since 1985, but the law has been relaxed in the WSL this seasonGettyIn contrast, though, fans in Scotland are prohibited from being sold alcohol inside football stadiums completely.The restriction has been in place since 1981, with the only exception being matches at Hampden Park after recent trials.