For many supporters, having a pre and post-match drink is an integral part of going to football. For advertisers, retailers and sponsors, the relationship between fans and alcohol is a match made in heaven, indeed, the FA Cup was sponsored by Budweiser from 2011 until 2014.
Of course the same applies to other sports too, commentators pass fond, amused comment at the sight of crickets’ Barmy Army and their beer snakes; the drinking culture associated with Rugby Union is deemed more or less harmless – nice middle class boys and their jolly japes and rousing songs.
http://www.fsf.org.uk/blog/view/Alcohol-restrictions-football-fans-must-be-seen-as-equals