Rangers 'willing to explore' introducing safe-standing
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.Rangers have revealed they are "willing to explore the possibility" of introducing a safe-standing section at Ibrox.
The Scottish Premier League's 12 clubs were this week given the green light to pilot safe-standing schemes in their stadiums after the SPL announced a relaxation of their rules on the issue at a general meeting on Monday.
SPL chief executive Neil Doncaster has already stressed the plans do not signal a return to old-style terracing, pointing instead to modern systems used in Europe like 'Rail' - where there is a safety barrier and a seat on every row which can be locked for SPL games and unfolded for other competitions - as options for interested clubs.
Celtic and Motherwell are among the clubs who have expressed interest in the idea and Rangers have now followed suit.
Chief operating officer Ali Russell told the club's official website: "The fans have intimated for some time their desire for a standing area within Ibrox and following the feedback we have had from fans' groups it is only right as a response that we are willing to explore the possibility.
"Safety is of paramount concern and we want to look at how that can be balanced with the need to enhance the atmosphere at match days.
"There are examples in other parts of the world where this has been achieved and we will look at the feasibility of a trial.
"This is not something that can be achieved overnight and this club is acutely aware of the issues involved.
"Any standing area in the stadium would require the support of the Glasgow City Council Safety team and the Police, as per SPL rules."
Scotland is not bound by the law which banned standing areas in top-flight football in England, which came into force after the Taylor Report into the Hillsborough disaster in 1989.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments