A ban on football fans drinking alcohol in the stands has been criticised by prime minister-in-waiting Andy Burnham.

Everton fan Mr Burnham said “I think we need to look at that” after rugby league fans were able to drink while watching matches at the home of his football team.

Mr Burnham was at the Hill Dickinson Stadium to watch the rugby league team he supports, Leigh Leopards, defeat Warrington Wolves on Saturday.

Mr Burnham said: “I’ve only got one question, though, about this day today.

“How come these lads can do that in my seat here when we can’t do that at an Everton home game?

“Something wrong there. I think we need to look at that.”

Andy Burnham was able to have a beer watching rugby league (Nigel French/PA)

PA Wire

The Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol) Act 1985 prohibits drinking in sight of the pitch in England and Wales.

The fan-led review of football governance in 2021 called for the law to be re-examined.

But police chiefs warned against relaxing the law.