Plymouth Argyle fans will not be served alcohol during Thursday’s Devon derby against Exeter City due to an EFL rule that forbids drinking in sight of the pitch.
Plymouth Argyle supporters will be unable to buy alcohol at Exeter City’s St James Park during Thursday night’s Devon derby due to a little-known EFL regulation.
The League One side confirmed the restriction in a statement, saying the large number of travelling fans meant there would be no space in the away concourse out of view of the pitch. “There will be no alcohol sales in the away end at Thursday’s Devon Derby,” the club said. “Due to the number of Argyle fans attending, there will be no space in the away concourse that is not in view of the pitch.”
EFL rules allow alcohol sales inside stadiums, but not in areas overlooking the playing field. The measure has drawn criticism from Plymouth fans, with one describing it as “Utter woke nonsense,” and another complaining, “Game’s gone.”
Both clubs enter the fixture under pressure, with Plymouth sitting 20th in League One, just a point above the relegation zone, while Exeter are level on points but ahead on goal difference.
Argyle manager Tom Cleverley urged his players to toughen up after a 2-1 home defeat to AFC Wimbledon, saying: “We need to learn how to be able to keep clean sheets the dirty way.”
The derby promises intensity — even if it’s a dry one for away fans.