Ministers to review standing

SPORTS minister Tracey Crouch says her “mind is open” on safe standing at football grounds after announcing a fresh review into the subject.

The MP, speaking at a parliamentary debate on the issue, expects findings of the initial research to be completed before the end of the year.

Clubs in English football’s top two tiers have had to have all-seater stadiums by law since the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, which l eft 96 Liverpool fans dead.

“I can announce we will commission an external analysis of evidence relating to the all-seater policy,” said Crouch.

“The one thing we need to do is collect and analyse the evidence that exists and ensure that all views on this issue can be heard and considered before we make any changes to the all-seater policy.

“Change cannot and should not happen overnight on something as serious as f ootball ground safety. My mind is open on the future of the all-seater policy.”