Principality Stadium alcohol issues down to individuals, says WRU

The crowd have played a huge role in getting Wales to the brink of the World Cup

Anti-social behaviour at Wales rugby games is a "personal" issue rather than the fault of the Principality Stadium, the venue's manager has said.

Mark Williams said measures were in place to reduce alcohol consumption and most fans enjoyed the experience.

However his predecessor claimed rugby should follow football's lead following a "gradual decline" in standards.

An 80-year-old man was badly hurt during a reported fight last Saturday, prompting calls for more action.

Former stadium boss Gerry Toms said spectators had endured a "gradual decline" in standards within the home of the Wales team.

Pitch invaders, a child soaked in beer and a boy who was vomited on all marred last year's autumn internationals.

Last week a pensioner was an innocent bystander when he was knocked over in an incident between two other men during the match between Wales and New Zealand.

Two men, aged 20 and 32, have been arrested and the Welsh Rugby Union said it would ban anyone found guilty of anti-social behaviour.

The Welsh Rugby Union called it an "isolated incident".

Mr Williams added: "I don't think the stadium has a problem with alcohol, it's a personal problem. The vast majority of people come here to enjoy themselves and have a pint of beer."

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But with the 80-year-old still in hospital, complaints over drunkenness rising and more test matches to come this month, there are calls for the WRU to go further.

'What am I doing here?'

Life-long supporter Shelagh Davies is questioning whether to continue attending games at the Principality Stadium

Shelagh Davies, from Chepstow, Monmouthshire, has been attending games at the Principality Stadium since it was built in 1999 but has grown tired of the drunken behaviour of other spectators.

"It's almost getting to the stage when you think what am I doing here?" she said.

"Which is very sad.

"The good thing about the rugby in Cardiff is how central it is, the downside is you have loads of pubs nearby.

"An earlier kick-off time would help, but I know people are going to drink, I just don't know how you can control that, considering the high numbers of people in the stadium."

Mr Toms said physical violence remained "unusual" at rugby games but admitted action was needed around the sale of alcohol.

"We have seen a decline in the general standards of behaviour across the board in rugby in the last few years," he told Radio Wales Breakfast.

"It is a problem we all have to tackle and is not unique to Wales or Welsh rugby fans.

"Maybe it's time to take a look at the football model for addressing this.

"The stadium's primary objective is to provide a safe and secure environment but also ensure spectators have an enjoyable experience.

"It is not enjoyable when people around you are drunk and using bad language."

Is there a problem with a minority drinking to excess?

He added: "Profit does come from the sale of alcohol and food.

"There needs to be a balance of restricting the hours of availability of alcohol, alongside a robust management of spectators, with a zero tolerance policy on anti-social behaviour.

"The time to act is now, not in three or four years time."

Rugby, it appears, is struggling to manage its relationship with beer.

The catalogue of incidents last November prompted one leading rugby writer to brand the stadium "the world's biggest pub".

In response, the WRU have stopped selling stronger larger and closed stadium bars during the second half of games.

Stewards have the power to refuse entry while digital tickets now make it easier to prevent previously banned spectators from purchasing tickets.

The WRU was also the first union in world rugby to introduce an alcohol-free zone, a 4,200-seated area in the north stand.

Football venues are banned from selling alcohol when play is under way following high-profile incidents of hooliganism during the 1970s and 1980s.

The WRU insists the vast majority of the 74,000 people attending games at the stadium behave responsibly and enjoy their experience.

Chief executive Steve Phillips said: "Anti-social behaviour of any kind has no place in Welsh rugby.

"We try to create an environment for everyone, to be enjoyed by all ages and by supporters from all walks of life, but we will not be tolerant of individuals who intend to ruin the much celebrated, world-renowned Principality Stadium matchday experience for others.

"We have a hard-fought, long-established reputation as a must-play, must-visit venue, revered around the world and this reputation is being threatened by a poorly behaved minority."