Norwich City fans oppose drinking in stands despite Burnham push

Most Norwich City supporters would not welcome a change to allow drinking alcohol in view of the pitch, citing concerns over behaviour during goal celebrations.

Norwich City supporters have delivered a firm 'no' to the idea of drinking alcohol in the stands at Carrow Road. The response came after a local discussion prompted by comments from Andy Burnham, who argued football fans are treated unfairly compared to those at rugby or cricket matches. Burnham said he "thought he was tapping into an open goal" with his suggestion for more freedom.

Most fans who responded said they personally wouldn't mind a pint at a game but do not want others around them to have one. The primary concern is the potential for getting soaked in beer during the celebrations that follow a late winner. This sentiment highlights a clear divide between personal choice and the perceived impact on the matchday experience for everyone in the stadium.

The Carrow Road routine

The debate touches on long-standing matchday habits. From the gantry high in the South Stand, empty seats are often visible until just before a 3pm kick-off, filled by a last wave of yellow and green. Some supporters time their arrival to be just in time for the referee's first whistle, while others might linger in the concourse for an extra drink. If a change were implemented, clubs might not sell many more pints, but fans could pace themselves differently.

Attitudes towards consumption during the game itself are not new. One fan recalled his granddad's bafflement at the very idea of eating during a match in the early 1990s. "I'll never understand why people can't sit for 90 minutes without having something to eat?" the granddad would say loudly in the old Family Enclosure if anyone left their seat. For that generation, a 3pm Saturday kick-off sat perfectly between lunch and dinner.

Focus on the football

The discussion comes as the team handles a challenging period. Norwich City's recent form is a concern, with the team having lost their last three matches. Their current position of 17th in the standings is a reflection of their nine-point haul from eight games. The squad's immediate focus is on halting that slide, with a key trip to face Swansea on 10 October next on the fixtures list.

Amid the on-pitch struggles, stories of player dedication offer a positive note. Midfielder Pelle Mattsson, for instance, sat his final university exam in financial management on the morning of Norwich's Carabao Cup win at Cardiff City before putting in an all-action performance that evening. He is becoming a role model for the club's academy players, showing that academic success and football excellence do not have to be mutually exclusive. The club will hope such focus translates into improved results on the pitch soon, starting with that key match at Swansea.