More stories

  • in

    I’m a barmaid at a Premier League club where staff romp in store room at half-time – here’s why I’d never date a player

    OUR barmaid has worked for a top Premier League football club for seven years – and in that time she’s seen it all. She’s met countless footballers, broken up fights, seen colleagues have sex in a storeroom mid-game and been snubbed by stuck-up Wags.Our barmaid has been pulling pints at a Premiership ground for seven years (stock photo)Some football fans can be great fun at the bar… but not all of them (stock photo)But the 31-year-old loves the job and says the club workers are like a family.Here, she reveals the best place to work and the easiest way to bag yourself a football star lover… if you really want one.’Terrible’ sex with starI wouldn’t touch a footballer with a barge pole. They’re so arrogant and rude and seem to think they’re better than anyone else – I’m yet to meet a nice one.Mind you, I should have known that from the start.Before I worked here I met a footballer in a bar and ended up having sex with him down an alleyway.It was not an impressive experience…..it was terrible sex, as if he was doing me a favour.The Wags are even ruder than their boyfriends.They sit there with their handbags and perfectly manicured nails and treat everyone who works at the club as if they’re something disgusting that they’ve trodden in.But it’s weird because as soon as footballers have retired they turn back into decent people.Football player gets ‘smacked by wife’ during warm up ‘after cheating on her’The ex-footballers often come to the bar where I work – the posh one – and they’re really friendly to all the fans.They never mind doing selfies and having a chat – I think they come for a bit of an ego boost as they’re still hero-worshipped by the supporters.And though I rarely saw a current player drinking, the retired ones often drink like fish!One of them gave me a Christmas card with £100 worth of vouchers.He wasn’t after sex – he was just being generous.But some of the bar staff working here are still desperate to bag a footballer and spend hours getting ready before work.I’ve known a couple of girls get with players but it never lasts… and honestly if that’s what you really want to do, you’re better off in a city centre night club.Bagging a Premier League star is the dream for someOur barmaid says some stuck-up Wags can treat staff appallingly (stock photo)Looking to score When I saw the job advertised for match day staff I leapt at the chance – firstly because I’m a huge football fan and also because I thought it would be the perfect place to find a man.It’s easy to give favoured customers a free pint – you’re serving so many customers, it’s really hard for anyone to keep track.I ended up having a year-long relationship with one man and several flings both with customers and other bar staff.There’s a storage room with tables and chairs in it, deep under one of the stands, it’s a well-known venue to have a quickie in. We put a team scarf on the door to show it’s occupied!A lot of bar staff end up having relationships with each other, after all it’s mostly young people working here – at 31, I’m one of the oldest.There’s a storage room with tables and chairs in it, deep under one of the stands, it’s a well-known venue to have a quickie in. We put a team scarf on the door to show it’s occupied!I’m married now so there’s none of that any more. I actually met my husband on Plenty of Fish, but he’s a huge football fan and enjoys coming along to matches and propping up the bar while I sneak him a few free pints.Staff often sneak off to the store room for a romp during games (stock photo)Home or away?I’d advise anyone looking for a job at a football stadium to firmly state you’d rather work in the “home stands”.You get to know people as they’re often season ticket holders and come to every match.But in the “away” team side people are mostly there for a “day out” in a different city, so they will start drinking on the journey to the stadium and are rowdier.In general, facilities for away team fans are poor and the stewards and police are more heavy-handed.I think it’s a mistake, it sets up an aggressive atmosphere – if they feel they aren’t being treated well then they’re more likely to behave badly.I think being nice and appreciating all the fans would lead to better behaviour.I have noticed recently that clubs are doing more, like giving away fans free cakes and coffee – it’s a good idea.Red card for rude customersI don’t get riled by much. When I was at university in Glasgow I worked in a pub and I’d get men refusing to be served by an English woman. It didn’t annoy me, I’d just think they were the ones losing out as it would take longer to get served.I’m local to the football club, so my accent here isn’t an issue – but I have had men refusing to be served by a woman.I find it crazy that men are so chauvinistic, but if they want to wait it’s no skin off my nose.It does get incredibly busy at half time and people get really impatient, particularly if you need to change the barrel.The one thing that bothers me above all else is when someone starts clicking their fingers at you.If someone does then I completely ignore them – it’s the worst way to try to get served quickly.At the end of the day I’ve got what they want, so they should be polite. If someone is I remember them and “notice” them waiting in line and serve them quickly.If I’m honest, if the bloke is good looking I’m quick to serve them too, even though I’m a happily-married woman with a three-year-old daughter!Stewards are quick to step in if there’s any tension (stock image)Full time at the barI’ve refused to serve people on a regular basis – you can always tell when you need to call time on someone.I’ve grown up around football so I don’t get very intimidated by the men I see and I’m more than happy to tell them they’ve had enough.As soon as someone’s slurring heavily, aggressive or struggling to stay standing I stop serving.I’ve also been known to quietly give someone alcohol-free beer – they never notice!We’re lucky that our stewards are very co-operative and will always defend the bar staff, they’re very protective of us female staff. And I always smile – it’s much harder to be rude to someone who’s being polite to you.Football fans love throwing beer at each other – with no booze allowed in stands now (file image)Cocaine is rife at the club where our barmaid works (stock image)Drug cheatsHaving said I’m not intimidated, there has been a noticeable increase in young men – under 25 – taking cocaine at the football.It’s rife at our club, and worrying. It makes them far more aggressive and out of control. You can tell by their eyes if they’ve been indulging.It worries me as it makes them more unpredictable than just being drunk – they get worked up very quickly.I do love seeing the famous faces too – we get loads of reality TV stars, but also the odd pop star and actor, which still causes a ripple of excitement in the standsThey seem to be looking for fights and people to pick on – it’s a shame, it makes it a different atmosphere. I’ve seen fights break out between them, on occasion I’ve just spoken sharply and told them to pack it in, but other times the stewards have had to step in.We do have the odd drink when we’re serving – it’s thirsty work – but I’ve never seen any of the bar staff get actually drunk or take drugs.Here for the beerThere’s a ban on drinking at your seats which has been in place for years and I agree with, because people used to chuck beer at each other and no one wants to leave a match soaking wet.Generally speaking you have a steady trickle of customers at the beginning of the match, then at half time it goes absolutely bonkers.What I find weird is when people come to the football and then spend the whole time by the bar, watching it on the screens.It’s not as though the beer is cheap or it’s particularly comfortable. I guess they’re soaking up the atmosphere, but it seems like such a waste of money.Some men seem to prefer spending the whole match at the bar (stock image)Football and beer can be a great combo…. up to a point (stock image)Family gamesGenerally speaking, the bar staff get on really well with each other and we go out partying after some of the matches.There’s three generations of one family all working at our club – the granny works in catering – pies are the fan’s favourite – the mum is a bar supervisor and her son works in the bar.You get to know each other and some of the fans really well and it’s friendly – like being in your local pub and enjoying seeing the regulars.But I do love seeing the famous faces too – we get loads of reality TV stars, but also the odd pop star and actor, which still causes a ripple of excitement in the stands!Staff at the huge northern club our barmaid works at love to go out and party together (stock image) More

  • in

    Famous London pub renamed and transformed for Newcastle supporters in honour of Eddie Howe’s assistant Jason Tindall

    FORGET the Brown Ale – it’s all about the Mad Dog & Mags for the Toon Army in London this cup final weekend.Thousands of Newcastle supporters have begun descending on the capital to watch Eddie Howe’s boys face Liverpool in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final.The Dolphin in King’s Cross will be renamed Mad Dog & Mags for this weekend Carabao Cup finalCredit: Supplied by Gary StonehouseNewcastle fans will be expected to congregate at the King’s Cross boozerCredit: Supplied by Gary StonehouseThe pub has been renamed with assistant coach Jason Tindall’s nickname in mindCredit: Supplied by Gary StonehouseNewcastle assistant coach Jason Tindall is nicknamed Mad DogCredit: RexIt promises to be one big Black and White party in the build-up to Wembley and now Carling have ensured fans from the North East will feel right at home.Popular pub The Dolphin, located by Kings Cross on Tonbridge Street, has been re-named and transformed especially for Newcastle supporters.It has become the Mad Dog & Mags in honour of Howe’s assistant head coach Jason Tindall and, of course, the Toon Army themselves.Part of the Toon takeover saw the new name go up this morning as well as photos of the man affectionately known as Mad Dog.Read more football news Once inside, fans can get their pints in specially designed glasses and coasters that include Tindall, captain Bruno Guimaraes and popular defender Dan Burn plus legend Shola Ameobi.Tindall recently revealed the origin of his nickname was down to his touchline antics.The 47-year-old has worked as assistant to Howe at Bournemouth and Burnley before Newcastle but has hit the headlines and become the star of several social memes.Both opposition supporters and managers love to hate him.Most read in FootballJurgen Klopp was irked by Tindall as he claimed that the ruling regarding only one member of coaching staff to stand at the front of the technical area during matches was introduced specifically due to the Magpies.Newcastle United take possession of brand new touring coach with tailor-made interior Aston Villa’s Unai Emery appeared to snub Tindall’s handshake last term while JT was also involved in a tunnel bust-up with the Spaniard’s backroom staff this term.But his actions have made him a big hit with Newcastle fans.He said: “It was the first year we were in Saudi Arabia and we played a game there.“A guy was doing the commentary who I think was standing in for someone because the traffic was horrendous and the original commentator didn’t make it on time.“So the guy who did the commentary kept referring to me as ‘mad dog’ and it was only after the game had finished that he came up to me and asked if I could do a video message to his wife. He put it out on social media and from that moment on, it took off.”Meanwhile, win or lose, Toon supporters WILL NOT be on the booze on the train back this Sunday.Newcastle fans won’t be able to toast their success, or otherwise, on their return home on the train with a bevvyCredit: GettyLNER will be operating a strict no alcohol policy on board their trainsCredit: EPAEven if the Magpies can end a 70-year wait for major silverware then there will be no champagne corks being popped.British Transport Police made an official request for dry trains and LNER and other companies will be operating an alcohol-free policy for all departures from 7.30pm from King’s Cross.Officers and security will be on duty to enforce it and no alcohol can be brought on to or purchased on board any trains.The potential party pooping news comes after extra trains were put on to help fans get to Wembley and back from the North East.READ MORE SUN STORIESSupporters faced huge disruption due to Network Rail engineering works between Newcastle and York, with rail replacement buses servicing Durham and Darlington.LNER moved to help with the huge demand by putting on six extra services, with two of those travelling from Newcastle to King’s Cross on Sunday morning. More

  • in

    Marcus Rashford’s delighted brother Dane joins noisy Aston Villa fans in Bruges pub before huge Champions League tie

    MARCUS RASHFORD’S brother Dane was welcomed into the Aston Villa family in a Bruges pub.Footage shared by ITV showed fans serenading about the on-loan Manchester United forward with brother Dane in joining them in Belgium.Dane Rashford, smiling in the middle, was greeted by Aston Villa fans at a pub in BrugesDane, the older brother of Marcus Rashford, was greeted by former Villa star Ian TaylorFans were singing Rashford’s name in the pubRashford was named in Aston Villa’s starting XI for the Champions League clashCredit: AFPDane, the older brother of Rashford, was all smiles as he joined Rashford’s new fans ahead of Villa’s Champions League tie against Club Brugges in the Champions League last 16.Former Aston Villa star Ian Taylor, 56, was there to greet Dane.The ex-midfielder, who played for Villa for nine years between 1994 and 2003, was also seen standing on a table leading the chants.Rashford was named in the starting XI for the clash by Unai Emery.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 27-year-old is yet to open his goalscoring account for Villa, but has already racked up three assists in wearing the club’s claret and blue.He climbed off the bench against Chelsea in the Premier League to set up Marco Asensio twice to seal a 2-1 comeback win.Last weekend he then provided another assist for Asensio’s opener against Cardiff as Villa secured a 2-0 win to move into the FA Cup quarter-finals – where they drew Championship side Preston.Rashford’s more creative side really came to the fore in his last game, creating six chances for team-mates, equalling his highest tally in 426 matches for his boyhood club.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAfter falling out of favour at Man Utd under Ruben Amorim, Rashford was sent on loan to Villa.The deal features a £40million option for the Villa Park outfit to make the deal permanent at the end of the season, while Villa are currently paying 75 per cent of his wages.Why Marcus Rashford could be perfect fit for Aston Villa after Man Utd transferAs well as Dane, Rashford also has a brother named Dwaine Maynard, two sisters, and one half-sister.Dane is a director of DN May Sports Management – a sports management agency ”with the goal of elevating athletes to achieve their full potential and thrive in their sports and in their wider life” – alongside Dwaine. More

  • in

    ‘Come back any time’ – Humble Jack Grealish praised after paying for 200 PINTS and chatting with locals at social club

    JACK GREALISH has won over fans at a Newcastle pub – after putting £500 behind the bar. The Manchester City star stunned punters after walking into North Biddick Social Club in Washington on Sunday.Jack Grealish stunned punters in a North East pub on SundayCredit: AlamyThe England star turned up at a social club in Washington, Tyne and WearCredit: X @footballbreakzThe 29-year-old chatted with locals and put £500 behind the barCredit: X @footballbreakzGrealish, 29, wasted no time in making friends at the pub, where pints go for just £2.90.He put enough money behind the bar for regulars to sup up to 200 PINTS.Grealish posed for photos and chatted with locals on a visit to Richard Logan, 37, brother of fellow Three Lions star Jordan Pickford.One local punter told The Daily Mail: “Jack was a total gentleman.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”£500 is enough to keep the whole bar in pints for a good few hours. “What a star he was, he can come back any time.”Word quickly spread Grealish was in the social club, with fans flocking in and the venue quickly filling up. One laughed on Facebook: “Never seen word spread around so much.”Most read in SportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother told the Mail: “He was with a couple of friends who live nearby.”I think they just fancied a quiet pint in a place where Jack wasn’t going to get any hassle. Jack Grealish’s reaction to Cole Palmer becoming a manager says it all as he and Maguire apologise to Chelsea star”Word spread very quickly though and people started to arrive from all over to see him, it’s such an unexpected place to see a big football star. “He was a really, really nice guy. “Nothing was too much trouble for him, he sat and chatted with the locals and was happy to pose for pictures. “But when he paid for everyone’s drinks that was just amazing, he didn’t need to do it but he did and it showed a lot of class and generosity. “He’ll definitely be welcome back if he ever wants to come down again.”Grealish has endured a tough two years at City, losing his England place and lacking game time.He has featured 25 times for Pep Guardiola’s side across all competitions, scoring just twice.SunSport revealed last month both Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund were tracking Grealish. Guardiola has questioned the £100m man’s fitness and mentality this season.The Spaniard said: “Do I want the Jack that won the Treble? Yeah, I want it, but I try to be honest with myself for that.”They have to fight. You can say it’s unfair.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Ok, if you think that, then it’s fine, but you have to prove [to me], ‘ok, I’m going to fight with Savinho, to deserve to play in that position.'”Every single day, every single week and every single month.” More

  • in

    Stamford Bridge to get its own Wetherspoons pub in timely boost for protesting Chelsea fans

    PROTESTING Chelsea fans will be able to drown their sorrows next season in a new Wetherspoons minutes from Stamford Bridge.Hundreds of Blues supporters staged a demonstration against owner Todd Boehly prior to Tuesday’s 4-0 win over Southampton. Chelsea fans will have a new boozer close to Stamford Bridge next seasonCredit: GettyA two-story Wetherspoons pub is opening just minutes from the ground in West LondonCredit: GettyBillionaire Boehly broke his silence on Thursday and defended his record since taking over in 2022. Unimpressed Chelsea fans will now be able to sup away on matchday at a new boozer just a short walk from the stadium.Situated in the former ticket office at Fulham Broadway tube station, JD Wetherspoon was granted approval in mid-2024 to open a new pub. According to the Daily Mail, the Walham Green will be open in time for the 2025/26 season.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSituated five minutes walk from the ground, the new bar will likely be a big draw on matchday.It will be situated over two floors in the Grade II listed building.Spoons had originally planned to open early this year but works had been delayed.The Mail claims fans “will be able to stagger into your newest Spoons when the next season starts in August.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSChelsea’s future at Stamford Bridge remains uncertain in the long term as the leadership weighs up whether to move or expand the current ground. Boehly spoke openly at the FT Business of Football Summit on Thursday among a backlash from some supporters.Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca insists that Cole Palmer is a happy player Chelsea under his leadership have spent over £1billion on players – but could miss out on Champions League football for a third-straight season. Addressing the protests, Boehly said: “The fans are the lifeblood of any sports team. “You realise how important the team is to them and how important the fans are to the team. It’s hugely important. “But the fact is that people say different things, change their minds all the time.”The criticism is just par for the course. The sooner you learn you won’t keep all the people happy all the time that brings freedom.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So you don’t have to live with their words. “You can’t turn left and then right every three minutes, which is some of the advice we get, if you boil it down.” More

  • in

    ‘We had a fight in a local pub’ – Max Verstappen and Lando Norris open up on F1 rivalry after controversial clashes

    LANDO NORRIS and Max Verstappen joked they had a “fight in a local pub” as the duo prepare for another fierce title battle.The pair locked horns from Miami in May last season, where Norris sealed a maiden win and brought the fight to Red Bull, until Las Vegas where Verstappen was crowned champion in November.Lando Norris and Max Verstappen joked they had a ‘fight in a local pub’The pair locked horns in Miami in May last seasonNorris and Verstappen were involved in a dramatic collision in AustriaRed Bull dominated the first five races which ultimately left Norris with a mountain to climb, although McLaren won their first Constructors’ Championship since 1998.When Verstappen was asked about the pair’s relationship yesterday, he joked: “Yeah, it’s a terrible relationship,“We don’t get on any more. It’s taken it’s toll. Yeah. Big drama.”McLaren driver Norris, the early bookies’ favourite for the new season, added: “We had a fight the other day in a local pub.”READ MORE F1 NEWSVerstappen then laughed and replied: “We had to get escorted [out]. I always say, you should see the other guy… but he still looks good, so, whatever.”Think we both look forward to more of last year, more battles. I don’t think it’s just going to be us.”An inevitable first collision between Norris and Verstappen arrived in Austria in June which cost them both the lead in the Red Bull Ring, having gone wheel-to-wheel on several occasions.A battle erupted in Texas when Norris was controversially penalised for a late overtake on Verstappen when they were both off track and the Dutchman came out on top again.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSNorris even called Verstappen “dangerous” when the championship battle reached boiling point at the Mexico City Grand Prix.Verstappen was given two 10-second penalties for his driving against Norris for two incidents in the same lap but still managed to finish sixth.Verstappen’s excruciating reaction to Jack Whitehall gag at F1 new season launch event Norris then delivered a more serious answer, added: “I think there’s going to be others involved, which will make it more exciting for everyone.“But yeah, I know they’re going to be tough battles and I’m sure some of them are not always going to end the way I want or hopefully Max wants, but we’re racing drivers.”We get along. We’ve always said those kind of things. I know everyone tries to make their own points and say what’s correct and what’s not correct, but we respect each other a lot and we look forward to more racing on track.”Verstappen was then asked if he had any more to add, replying with a smirk: “No, that’s beautifully said.”Pre-season testing began in Bahrain this week, with the first race opener coming up in Melbourne at the Australian Grand Prix on March 14-16.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon More

  • in

    Pub’s free pint offer for every time Nottingham Forest scores backfires…only for them to win 7-0 against Brighton

    NOTTINGHAM Forest’s 7-0 thrashing over Brighton left one pub pulling pints nonstop after they promised a free drink for every goal.The Gedling Inn generously offered punters a fresh beer each time Forest bagged a goal over the weekend – only to end up giving away almost 300.Punters in a Nottinghamshire pub were gifted a free pint every time Nottingham Forest scored against BrightonCredit: Facebook/The Gedling InnThe pub ended up giving away almost 300 beersCredit: Facebook/The Gedling InnThe Gedling Inn decided to do the generous promotion just before kick off on SaturdayCredit: InstagramChris Wood scored a hat-trick in the matchCredit: RexBrighton were put to the sword in the Premier League clash with the Red’s star striker Chris Wood scoring a hat-trick as a trio of other names also got on the score sheet.Nuno Espírito Santo’s men delivered the huge win to keep Forest in the hunt for a top four spot in their remarkable season so far.Despite the massive win, one Nottinghamshire pub was left feeling like they’d scored an own goal.The Gedling Inn announced on the morning of the match that they were showing the game on TV’s in the pub.read more in footballTo attract fans into the independent, family run business they ran a promotion offering a free pint for every goal scored by Forest.The deal first appeared as a fun giveaway and a chance for lucky day drinkers to keep their wallets full with the game predicted to be a close affair.A Lewis Dunk own goal after just 10 minutes left dozens rushing to the bar to snap up a free beer.But before long Morgan Gibbs-White scored a second, with Chris Wood adding a third before half time.Most read in FootballLandlady Beccy Webster has run the pub for six years and said she was shocked after the first half whistle by the goals.She said: “I was upstairs feeding my baby when I heard the first goal go in, then the second quickly afterwards, and I had just come downstairs when the third went in – I thought ‘here we go’.”Why Nuno Espirito Santo was such a flop for Tottenham before leading Nottingham Forest on Leicester-like title chargeIn the second half even more goals went in with Chris Wood getting his second and third.Welshman Neco Williams and winger Jota Silva also managed to get on the score sheet with two late goals.The seven goal blitz meant punters were able to get a fresh pint every 13 minutes on average across the 90 minutes.Beccy said: “When the final whistle went, I just said ‘phew!'”Never in my wildest dreams did we imagine they’d score seven goals.”The pub ended up giving away almost 300 free pints during the match.Beccy remained happy she put on the offer and said it was still a “good day” as the free flowing drinks made the customers grateful and happy to spend the cash saved on more booze and some lunch.She continued: “People were singing, and people were respectful with the offer.”Lots of people were still buying drinks, people stayed for food, and lots of people have been asking if we’ll be having any more offers on.”It’s just nice to get behind the team – it’s good for the whole city, they’re putting us on the map.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Nottingham Forest win has kept them in the Champions League spots as they now sit six above Newcastle in fifth place.They head to Exeter for the fourth round of the FA Cup next Tuesday before hosting Fulham in the league on the following Saturday. Locals were left thrilled by the 7-0 scorelineCredit: Facebook/The Gedling InnThe post on social media advertising the free pint dealCredit: FacebookMorgan Gibbs-White also scored to add an extra pint to the punters growing tallyCredit: Rex More

  • in

    Football should trial return of pints in the stands… but can minority of fans be trusted to show we’re past dark days?

    AS ladies say ‘cheers’ to drinking alcohol in the stands at Women’s Championship matches, the chance of a return to a beer or two on all the men’s terraces are about as high as Accrington Stanley winning League Two.Actually, Accrington’s average attendance of 2,509 would be a very good ground at which to start serving alcohol as policing any noisy drunks would be a simple process.There isn’t a measurable risk of violent drunks at Women’s Championship matchesCredit: GettyKarren Brady is happy to let responsible drinkers drink, it’s the rest of them she worries about . . .Credit: PABut it isn’t going to happen at Wham Stadium which, incidentally, is not named after (the late and great) George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley’s pop pairing.Nor anywhere else, at least not in the near future.Drinking alcohol within view of the playing field was stopped in 1985 after a sequence of events involving noisy, sometimes violent, spectators.There are no moves to change the law although there are many ways of buying alcohol beyond a pitch view, and a recent study showed Chelsea fans top the beer table, drinking on average six pints a game.Read More on FootballAt that rate, they might need a half-time substitution for their liver more than their team.The police and stewards are on the look-out for drunks or people bringing alcohol into grounds although some still try. A Leeds supporter succeeded in 2012 and, should anyone need convincing that the ban should end, the facts were he assaulted Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Chris Kirkland after running on to the pitch.It transpired that the offender drank countless cans of lager and a bottle of vodka on the journey to the ground. In Sheffield he then drank at least seven pints of cider.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesI feel woozy even writing that. He was jailed for 16 weeks and banned from football grounds for six years.There isn’t a measurable risk of violent drunks at Women’s Championship matches and it made sense supporters should be able to drink wisely during this trial.Watch Ireland captain Katie McCabe star in hilarious Adidas ad ahead of new WSL season with ArsenalIt’s a different crowd, reflected in the fact government data revealed there had been no arrests recorded at women’s football matches.The end of restrictions is positive for several reasons — extra revenue, another attraction for people to attend, and even a tot to cheer fans of the losing side.Supporters of a return to drinks during play can point to rugby and cricket for freedom from limitations.At the Ireland v Scotland match a record 137,000 pints of beer were sold at Stade de France.There was a mass brawl, but that was on the pitch between the players. Drinkers at cricket are often asleep anyway.Women tend to follow the rules rather than consider them a nuisance. We despise violence and bad behaviour, both of which are much more prevalent among men and it is unlikely many will see pie-eyed woman causing trouble at matches.Maybe solution lies in compromiseI would love to make a bonfire of all restrictions but I don’t think it would be possible or responsible.Ultimately, the question isn’t just about alcohol — it’s about trust. Have fans moved on from the dark days of the 80s? Can clubs strike the right balance between modernisation and maintaining order?In football, intensity and passion run high. Add alcohol to this and it can be a problem.The last thing clubs or fans want is a descent into chaos because of a few irresponsible drinkers.The landscape of football has been transformed in those 40 years. Stadiums are safer, crowds are more diverse, and family-friendly atmospheres have replaced toxic environments of the past.Perhaps the solution lies in compromise. Limited trials at selected matches could provide data on whether ending the ban works.READ MORE SUN STORIESGuidelines would have to be stringent and include steps such as alcohol-free zones, stricter ID checks, and time-limited drinking.I am happy to let responsible drinkers drink, it’s the rest of them I worry about . . . More