This week I wish to discuss something slightly outside of my usual Premier League remit.
It was alleged by Scottish newspaper the Daily Record that Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell had announced plans for them to introduce safe standing for fans as of next season.
Following those sentiments, Hillsborough campaigner Margaret Aspinall was quoted in the Telegraph saying ‘It is insensitive to announce that right at this time, a week just after the verdicts. It is very insensitive.’
It has since transpired that the story in the Daily Record had misquoted Lawwell, however, plans are still in place for next season. It is just the announcement was actually made last year as opposed to last week.
Let us just say though, that the announcement was made last week, just as Margaret Aspinall believed, in which she responded with the comments noted above.
Do I think Ms Aspinall has over reacted?
Yes.
Do I think there is a constant over reaction to campaigns such as the Football Supporter Federation‘s for safe standing?
Yes.
Do I feel that safe standing would be of benefit to football clubs in this country?
Absolutely, yes!
I am completely aware of the circumstances regarding the death of ninety-six Liverpool supporters back in 1989 at Hillsborough, and congratulate everyone involved in clearing the name of Reds fans that day. The Police and Sheffield Wednesday Football Club were found to be at fault by allowing too many fans into one particular section of standing area whilst other ‘pens’ as they were known at the time were left half empty.
The ninety-six who tragically lost their lives did so because of the actions of others, not because they were standing up. Of course, standing at football games back then was significantly more dangerous than attending the all-seater stadia of the modern era. But that is mainly due to the fact fences surrounded the field and enclosed supporters and often clubs would allow more fans into grounds than regulation would allow.
In the days of standing in the top flight, supporters would not have had a specific space shown on their ticket of where to stand. Supporters may not have had rails in front or behind them to stop them falling either. It was not particularly safe, hence, the reasons why all stadia in the top two tiers of English football have to be all seater (or at least have plans to be fully seated within three years for the case of teams promoted to the Championship for the first time).
The introduction of rail seats however would ensure that there is a safety barrier and a flip-down seat on every other row.
With all these facts in mind, and even if we were to say that standing was even partly to blame for the Hillsborough disaster,the proposals for safe standing are a completely different concept.
This is the not the first time TEB has brought up the subject of safe standing. We are advocates of the fan friendly method which is used successfully throughout Europe as highlighted in January 2014 article by editor Jay Crame. The same article was chosen for print in the September 2015 edition of the FYP Fanzine such is the nature of the topic.
Without wishing to cause offence, safe standing and announcements regarding safe standing should really not be deemed insensitive to anyone in my opinion. In fact, I see no reason why it cannot be supported by those effected by the tragedy. It is a fact that standing still occurs at all football stadia in the top flight to a varying degree, whether it be in the traditional home end or by the away fans.
In those, I include the Kop at Anfield and Liverpool’s travelling support, who stand at football matches for the duration of the game in some instances.
Standing in seating areas is not as safe as standing would be in specifically designated safe standing areas. The way the standing areas are and would be designed mean that you cannot fall over the seat in front of you celebrating a goal, for instance. There would also be no chance of a crush.
We are not talking about safe standing appearing in large numbers either, simply for those that would prefer to stand at matches, and reclaim some of the atmosphere lost in modern all seater arenas.
As you can probably tell, I do not see any negatives in the potential introduction of standing at football in the top flight once more.
Here are the reasons why the FSF back safe standing:
Popular support – Nine out of ten supporters back the choice to sit or stand (FSF National Survey 2012). Every week thousands stand in seated areas supporting the team they love. They deserve proper safe standing areas.
Choice – Everyone benefits as those who wish to stand can do so while those who prefer to sit no longer have to worry about having their view blocked. Clubs should also have the choice to introduce safe standing areas if they see fit.
Safety – Safe standing can be introduced within stringent safety standards laid down in the Government’s Green Guide. The Government does not claim that standing at football is inherently unsafe.
Flexibility – UEFA regulations mean European competition must be played in all seater stadiums. Safe standing areas can be easily converted to and from seating so a club competing in Europe can go all seater with minimum fuss.
Pricing – In both England and abroad, ticket prices for standing areas are typically lower than in seated areas making the stadiums more socially inclusive.
There are those that oppose safe standing, but for me, we should not allow the past to effect the future. The facts are that modern safe standing is a completely different concept to standing of years gone by.
Being against standing because you do not wish to see another ‘Hillsborough’ does not make any sense to me. They are two completely different subjects. When discussions about safe standing come about, and they will, why do we need to keep referring back to that sad day back in 1989? I do not believe we need to.
Some may disagree, and some may consider this piece ‘insensitive’. However, it is being too sensitive to not consider safe standing as a more than viable option for the future of football. Many fans want to see it return and I am glad such a high profile club such as Celtic are championing the idea in Britain.
Check out this page on the FSF website if you get chance. It completely dis-spells some of the ‘myths’ surrounding modern safe standing and is well worth a read should you be for or even against its introduction in the UK.
