English fans’ drinking gives Starmer-Burnham transition a headache

LONDON — As England continues its World Cup campaign, back across the Atlantic a political row about soccer’s drinking culture is in full swing.

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer broke with his imminent successor Andy Burnham over whether soccer fans should be allowed to consume alcohol while watching games.

Starmer is due to hand over power to Burnham in two weeks and has promised a smooth transition and to support his successor without interfering from the sidelines.

But after Burnham said over the weekend that there was “something wrong” with a ban on fans drinking in view of the pitch — which he pointed out is allowed at rugby league games — and that he might overturn it, Starmer pushed back.

“Police chiefs have warned against the relaxing rules of drinking in the stands, and we think that’s sensible to follow,” a spokesperson for Starmer said this morning when asked whether he agrees with Burnham.

“Fans who go to matches in football league can drink before the game, in the concourse during half time and can stay late after the match or head to the pub, so there’s plenty of chances to get a drink. But it’s sensible to follow this advice.”