Stoke City are delighted with the success of a new scheme under which those who cannot last 90 minutes without a cigarette use a special reversible turnstile to leave at half-time, when they are given a ticket, and then can come back in, reports The Independent. Supporters at grounds that operate a complete ban in line with the law on smoking in enclosed public places may wish to lobby their club for something similar.

The ban, widely implemented for the past two years, has caused problems from time to time, notably in the case coming to court next week in which a Manchester City fan who had been found smoking inside Old Trafford at this season's derby game alleges he was pushed down the stairs by two Manchester United stewards.