A man fears a blanket ban on taking in hot drinks to Watford FC stadium could put people off from going to matches.

James Anthony, 34, raised concerns that this prevention is problematic due to the cost-of-living crisis.

The fan, who grew up in Watford, but now lives in Bedfordshire, said it is not an issue he has experienced but rather one his friend’s father has.

 

Mr Anthony said: “My friend’s father is a season ticket holder and during the winter games he always takes a flask with hot chocolate.

“Over the last six weeks or so, he has been told he is not allowed to take the flask into watch matches.”

Watford FC defended the changes that were recommended in the club’s Safety Advisory Group findings.

Mr Anthony, who works in emergency services, fears this could impact older people.

He added: “I wonder how many might be put off coming all together because they feel they can’t afford to buy hot drinks at the stadium?”

Mr Anthony has said others have told him they have been able to take in flasks, so he believes it depends on individual stewards.

But he said: “If it becomes a blanket ban then it really is disappointing.

“If fans do not feel their business is being supported then people might stop buying season tickets.”

Watford FC’s head of facilities and operations Ian Pope said the club “sympathises” with supporters who want to bring in their own items into matches.

“However, everyone should note that this practise will continue diminishing for a number of reasons – some of which may well be written into government legislation in the near future,” said Mr Pope.

He added: “We must comply with the club’s independent stadium Safety Advisory Group.

“Within their mandate is specific reference to items – the metal flask being an example – that should be prohibited from entering our stadium.”

Mr Pope said that due to crowd disorder being on the rise in the football industry, measures have been taken to remove “any and all means” that can cause harm to others.

It is currently unclear exactly when the ban was implemented. Watford FC has been asked for clarification.