There are now two generations separating today’s younger fans with the violence that marred the sport in the 70s and 80s. But it’s not as simple as letting supporters off the naughty step after 40 years
Voice of the Mirror has its say…
Andy Burnham wants to look at lifting the ban on booze at football matches. He argues it’s unfair that fans of cricket and rugby can enjoy a pint in the stands – but it’s illegal to sup in sight of the pitch while the match is on. And he’s right. It is unfair. There are now two generations separating today’s younger fans with the violence that marred the sport in the 70s and 80s. You’d be forgiven for feeling like you were being punished for things that happened before they were born. But it’s not as simple as letting supporters off the naughty step after 40 years. Watching football in person isn’t the same as watching cricket and rugby. They’re different experiences with different fan culture and decades of different history – for good and for bad. If a change is going to be made, it has to be the result of a proper consultation with fans, clubs and the police who keep everyone safe. Pardon the pun, but it needs to be a sober debate, not just about fairness, but about what the world – and the game – are really like in 2026. However well-intentioned Burnham may be, risking a return to the dark days of hooliganism would be unthinkable.
Tommo’s publicity-seeking stunt is even more irresponsible
Anti-migrant grifter Danny Tommo’s latest publicity-seeking stunt is somehow even more irresponsible than usual. The pound shop Tommy Robinson filmed himself slashing the side of a rubber dinghy in the channel – while a rescue worker was aboard. It comes after his rants sent online attack dogs after heroic RNLI volunteers who save hundreds of lives every year. Police are now having a close look at the footage. Is there nothing he won’t do to make himself famous?
Soap legends bid to help us disagree better
What better way to launch Britain Talks, the Mirror’s bid to help us all disagree better, than with an argument as fundamental to our culture as Eastenders vs Corrie? Stars Tracy Brabin and Ross Kemp were never going to come to an agreement on this question of soap supremacy – but they managed to find plenty of common ground.
