Players' binge drinking link to alcohol sponsor deals

Nov 23 2008 By Chris Murphy

SPORTS stars are more likely to be binge drinkers if they are sponsored by alcohol firms.

A study of 1300 sportsmen and women in the UK and Australia found around half were backed by booze brands.

Manchester University's Dr Kerry O'Brien said: "Sports people receiving direct alcohol industry sponsorship of any kind reported more hazardous drinking than those not receiving sponsorship.

"Similarly, those receiving free or discounted drinks from sponsors and those who felt they were required to drink their sponsor's product at their establishments reported even higher levels of drinking.

"We needed to show this form of sponsorship occurs, and that it is associated with hazardous drinking." Rangers and Celtic are sponsored by Carling and Hibs are backed by Whyte & Mackay whisky. The Scotland team's sponsor is Tennent's.

The UK Alcohol Health Alliance's Professor Ian Gilmore said: "Some countries have banned alcohol-related sports sponsorship and it is time we had that debate."