Andy Burnham has branded a ban on fans being allowed to drink alcohol in the stands during men's football matches as "discrimination". The prime minister told reporters that "I don't think it's fair for football fans to be singled out", as he suggested a change could be trialled.

Laws are in place which prevent drinking in view of the pitch at stadiums for clubs in the top five tiers of men's football in England. Other sports do not face such a restriction. The Football Supporters' Association (FSA) said the "outdated" legislation should be reviewed, but police chiefs have warned against relaxing the law.

The legislation was introduced in 1985 by Margaret Thatcher's government. Burnham is a keen football fan and a season-ticket holder at Premier League team Everton. Speaking to reporters on his trip to the United Nations in New York, Burnham said: "I think that legislation dates to an era where football was very different. I do believe there is a case to remove that discrimination."

A UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) spokesman warned that changes would pose "challenges" to policing. FSA chairman Tom Greatrex said it was "unfair to criminalise football fans for having a pint while watching the match".