Premier League and Championship clubs could have safe-standing areas from the start of 2022 after the Government approved a landmark trial on Wednesday.
Sports minister Nigel Huddleston has instructed the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) to take the first steps in creating licensed standing areas for clubs in English football’s top two tiers from 1 January.
Clubs must apply by 6 October to be part of the “early adopter” programme, with Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham among the teams to have installed railings in anticipation of safe-standing areas getting the green light.
All-seater stadiums were made compulsory for the top two divisions after the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, and so safety has been paramount when looking at reintroducing supporters being allowed to stand at football grounds.
Huddleston said: “We have been clear that we will work with fans and clubs towards introducing safe standing at football grounds providing there was evidence that installing seating with barriers would have a positive impact on crowd safety.
“With independent research now complete, and capacity crowds back at grounds across the country, now is the right time to make progress. I look forward to hearing from clubs who wish to be part of our early adopters programme during the second half of this season.”
There is a strict set of criteria which clubs must meet in order to receive Government and SGSA approval for the trial.
Clubs must have seats with barriers installed in both the home and away sections, while the areas must offer fans the choice to sit down and cannot obstruct the view of other supporters.
Supporters in the licensed standing area must also adhere to a code of conduct, while an independent review will evaluate their reintroduction from January until the end of the season.
Martyn Henderson, chief executive of the SGSA, added: “The focus of the SGSA is the safety and enjoyment of all fans at sports grounds. We know many fans want the choice to stand and, with the advent of new engineering solutions, our research has shown how this can be managed safely.
“Today’s announcement will enable us to properly test and evaluate licensed standing areas before the Government decides its next steps.”
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3lKZvde
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