A York MP is calling for a number of reforms to improve the experience for football fans.
Luke Charters wants a drop in ticket prices, a change in the promotion rules, and the opportunity for fans to drink in the stands again.
Mr Charters, the Labour MP for York Outer, made his comments during a debate on the Government’s Football Governance Bill.
The Bill would introduce an independent football regulator (IFR) for the top five tiers of the men’s game to ensure clubs are run sustainably and are accountable to their fans.
Mr Charters said ticket prices needed fixing.
“Some championship clubs charged away fans £45 this season, and some League Two sides will be charging over £30 a ticket next season,” he told the Commons
“York could be playing in that league next season and it is just not on, so in my view the IFR should have a greater role in relation to pricing.
“Let us roll out an away ticket cap across the EFL and national league, like the one that already exists in the Premier League at £30.”
The National League – home to York City – should also see a key reform, Mr Charters argued.
“The problem, though, is the cap on promotion places, with only two teams going up this season from the National League.
“There has been a debate for some time about introducing a third promotion spot. In my view, with the IFR, now is the right time. I should declare an interest as York City would be all but promoted by now.”
And he had one more idea.
“It is 40 years since alcohol was banned in view of the pitch. Perhaps it is time for a modern approach to a modern game.
“The days of hooliganism are gone. Fans of other sports can drink in the stands, but football fans cannot.
“Limited trials of designated drinking zones in view of the pitch could be an interesting idea.
“For me, we should always keep family areas free of that, but let us give fans who want to drink in the stands the chance to do so responsibly, or at least let us have a conversation about it.”