Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow MBE's campaign for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) funding has been rejected by the UK government.
Geoff Burrow, father of the former Rhinos star, took to social media to share his anger at the lack of funding for MND in the government budget announcement.
A coalition of MND organisations, researchers and campaigners, including Geoff Burrow, submitted a funding bid to the government in September to request official funding into the life-changing condition.
Rob and Geoff Burrow and Lindsay Hoyle MP in September, before delivering a patient letter requesting increased MND research funding to Downing Street. / Image: Jane Halhead
MND is a degenerative disease that has left Leeds Rhinos legend of 16 years, Rob Burrow, paralysed and forced to communicate with his family through an eye-driven device.
The condition affects nerves in the brain and spinal cord and has life-changing consequences for anyone diagnosed with the condition.
The proposal for additional funding had been backed by business secretary Kwasi Kwawrteng but the budget announcement on Wednesday saw the pledge omitted.
There are currently over 5,000 people in the UK living with the "brutal disease" according to the MDA Association.
Chief Executive, Sally Light commented on the lack of funding as "disappointing".
"The government hasn't listened to our plea to invest £50 million in targeted MND research. Our researchers are on the cusp of a breakthrough in discovering treatments for MND but they need a meaningful injection of funding".
Father of Rob Burrow, Geoff Burrow desperately issued a plea on social media asking the government to reconsider.
Rob Burrow has diagnosed with MND in December 2019 and is cared for full-time by his wife Lyndsey.
The ex-Rhinos star spoke out earlier this year about his condition, saying that "it's beautiful being cared for by the only girl you've ever loved".
The Burrow family have been supported online, with many fans and strangers to Rob's celebrity status alike commenting kind words in response to the tweet.
"We are outraged Geoff! Time for people to stand up and force action. We love you @Rob7Burrow".
"Same old same old words are cheap. They are happy to jump on a good cause when it gets them publicity. The wee man has did more than his share to raise awareness we must all push on and keep it in the headlines. Well done for talking out Mr B".
There is a fundraising event from the Motor Neurone Disease Association taking place on Saturday 6 November where a folk concert performance is hoping to raise funds for research.
There is also the Doncaster 10K and Clowe Half Marathon events in November and plenty of other opportunities to get involved in campaigning to fund the condition.
Leeds United fans looking for a crisp pre-match pint, you're in luck.
Why? Because new data has revealed Leeds United as one of the Premier League clubs offering the cheapest pints in their stadium
And it's all down to credit card provider Zable, who analysed the average price of a pint at every Premier League stadium.
You'll be glad to know that Leeds United ranked a very respectable eighth among the Premier League teams with the cheapest pre-match pints, with fans paying an average £5.60 at Elland Road.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
However, supporters can currently get a cheaper drink at pubs around the stadium, where the average pint costs £4.74.
Ipswich Town have the cheapest pint at £3.50, followed by Coventry at £3.60 and Hull City at £3.90.
The top 10 cheapest stadium match day pints:
Ipswich (£3.50)
Coventry (£3.60)
Hull City (£3.90)
Liverpool (£4.80)
Sunderland (£5.00)
Everton (£5.50)
Newcastle United (£5.60)
Leeds United (£5.60)
Bournemouth (£5.60)
Brighton & Hove Albion (£5.80)
Adam McAllister at Zable says: "For many fans, grabbing a pint before kick-off is part and parcel of the matchday experience, but our research shows that where you choose to drink can make a noticeable difference to the price. While stadium pints are often assumed to be more expensive, that's not always the case.
"With the cost of attending football continuing to add up, from tickets and travel to food and drinks, small differences like these can make a real impact on the overall cost of a matchday. Taking a little time to compare prices before heading to the stadium this season could help fans make their money go further, whether they choose to have a pint at the pub or inside the ground."
Andy Burnham says he wants to scrap the ‘unfair’ ban on drinking alcohol in football stands
Emily Sergeant
Andy Burnham has said that he wants to scrap the 'unfair' ban on fans getting to drink alcohol in football stands.
It's a ban that's been in place in the top five tiers of men's football since 1985, when fears over violence and hooliganism were at their height, but now the Prime Minister has raised the question of whether drinking in football stands - or 'drinking in sight / view of the pitch', as it's known formally - is actually unjust, due to the fact that same rules don't apply to fans of other sports.
"I don't think it's fair for football fans to be singled out in that way," Andy Burnham has declared this week, grabbing headlines in the process.
He continued: "I think that legislation dates to an era where football was very different, and I do believe there is a case to remove that discrimination.
"I'm not going to back away from what's been a long-held view of mine. I don't see how it can be fair that some supporters of one sport can be treated differently."
The Prime Minister's comments have been met with mixed response.
Andy Burnham wants to scrap the 'unfair' ban on drinking alcohol in football stands / Credit: James Kirkup | Julia Nastogadka (via Unsplash)
The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA), for example, has very much welcomed the idea, saying that it 'totally agrees' the legislation is 'outdated' and 'deserves to be reviewed'.
Tom Greatrex, chair of the FSA, said in a statement: "The FSA has always argued that it’s unfair to criminalise football fans for having a pint while watching the match - especially since you can sit in the same seat drinking alcohol whilst watching an Oasis gig or rugby league."
However, on the flip side, the UK Football Policing Unit said it would be 'incredibly rash' to change the rules without proper consultation.
"Other sports simply don't see the violence and criminal behaviour from their supporters that football does, albeit a minority, with alcohol often playing a significant part in violent and disorderly behaviour," it said in a statement on the matter.
The Prime Minister did state in his initial proposition though that 'there are different ways it could be done', hinting that it could be done 'on a trial basis' perhaps.
The English Football League (EFL) added that it would be 'receptive to discussions around reviewing current legislation and permitting alcoholic drinks within view of the pitch'.
No formal details on a review have been confirmed as of yet, so fans are encouraged to stay tuned for updates in due course.
Sophie Smith -
29th October 2021 
