Liverpool supporters to vote on standing

LIVERPOOL’S elected mayor has said that safe standing at football grounds should be examined, as the city prepares for a crucial vote. It is a sensitive issue on Merseyside because of the 1989 Hillsborough Disaster, which led to the introduction of all-seat stadiums. Steve Rotheram, a Liverpool supporter who was elected to the powerful new metro mayor position two months ago, said his instinct was that ‘small sections (of safe standing areas) that are barriered off are something we need to look at’. His comments are not an expression of support for the concept, but he added that the culture of football had changed since standing was outlawed for clubs in the top two tiers. Hillsborough Family Support Group leaders Margaret Aspinall and Trevor Hicks, who were both bereaved by the disaster, are thought to be opposed. The top Liverpool FC supporters’ organisation, Spirit of Shankly, last night announced they will meet Hillsborough families and survivors privately on July 18 to discuss safe standing. A public forum will follow four days later, with a vote on the issue held a few days after that.