Government hopes to conduct safe standing pilots this season
A number of clubs in the top two tiers of English football have already installed rail seating.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Government is hoping to conduct safe standing pilots this season, Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston has said.
The introduction of designated safe standing areas would mean an end to the blanket ban on standing in the top two divisions of English football which has been in place for over 25 years.
The Conservative Government promised to look at the issue of safe standing in its manifesto for the 2019 General Election, and Labour and the Liberal Democrats also pledged to update the legislation, so are likely to be sympathetic to, and supportive of, any planned trials.
Huddleston said in a tweet on Sunday evening: “We are working closely with the Sports Ground Safety Authority to see if we can introduce a number of safe standing pilots this season before we consider a widespread rollout.
“Safety of fans will be absolutely paramount. More detail will come in due course.”
Standing areas in what is now the Premier League and Championship were outlawed by legislation passed in the wake of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, which led to the deaths of 97 Liverpool fans.
Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea installed rail seating over the summer, but there is no guarantee those clubs would be part of any initial pilot.
The Football Supporters’ Association has been a crucial lobbying force on the subject, via its ‘Stand Up For Choice’ campaign.
It believes clubs should consult with supporters on the most appropriate way to introduce standing areas.