SAFE STANDING ON THE WAY TO OLD TRAFFORD

MANCHESTER UNITED have launched a consultation into bringing safe standing to Old Trafford. The Premier League giants are carrying out a ‘detailed and comprehensive study’ on the feasibility of implementing rail seats at the Theatre of Dreams. A recent change to the stadium safety guide has meant that clubs can now install seats incorporating safety barriers in their grounds. Both Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers have done so, and United are understood to have held talks with both clubs. United have long-since voiced their support for safe standing in principle. Officials acknowledge that a large majority of supporters are also in favour. The arrival of rail seating at Britain’s biggest club venue would represent an historic moment. Standing was outlawed in the top two tiers after the Taylor Report into the 1989 Hillsborough disaster in which 96 Liverpool supporters were crushed to death during an FA Cup semi-final. United recognise the matter is complex and no move will be made until the safety of their supporters and compliance with legislation can be assured. Officials at the club want to understand the process which Spurs and Wolves have gone through, along with how they manage their rail seating areas. A feasibility report described as ‘detailed and comprehensive’ will take place. One issue may be whether the stands at the venue can carry the increased load that a safe standing area could bring. Standing in the top two divisions of English football remains illegal but the new guidance means clubs can install seats with barriers that allow for safe standing, if certain conditions are met. In 2018, then sports minister Tracey Crouch commissioned a review into safe standing after a petition calling for its introduction received more than 100,000 signatures. In January, Crouch’s successor Mims Davies said she thought all-seater stadiums remained the safest option but added that she was waiting for further information before reaching a definitive conclusion. Various measures have taken place in recent times to improve the atmosphere at Old Trafford, including the installation of a ‘singing section’.