Fans urged to back bid to allow ‘safe standing’
But a statement by Emily and Trev said: “This is not true. Every survey of fans has produced results showing that the vast majority are in favour of safe standing.”
It added: “A petition, created this week, asking the government to ‘allow Premier League and Championship football clubs to introduce safe standing’ had reached 48,000 signatures in just two days.
Urging more fans to sign, the statement said: “If the petition reaches 100,000 signatures it could be debated in Parliament and this would be a massive step forward.
“David Wagner (Town coach) and the ‘Cowshed Loyal’ have created a stadium atmosphere that is the envy of the Premier League.
“Allowing safe-standing at the John Smith’s Stadium will take this to yet another level.”
The appeal comes just a fortnight after HTSA rounded on Huddersfield Labour MP Barry Sheerman for opposing calls to introduce “safe standing” at the John Smith’s Stadium. His Colne Valley counterpart Thelma Walker and Dewsbury MP Paula Sherriff both back safe standing at the ground.
West Brom director of operations Mark Miles, quoted on the club’s website, said the minister’s decision was “surprising” and “disappointing.”
The Baggies had offered to run a pilot scheme in the Smethwick End at the Hawthorns for both home and away fans and made a formal application in October 2017 to install the section this summer in readiness for the 2018/19 campaign.
Mark said: “I think the minister has taken a short-sighted view and is preventing the club from creating a safer environment for supporters.
“The all-seater policy was developed over 25 years ago and football is a very different place now.
“The system we proposed is well-tested across Europe and has also worked successfully at Celtic, who are governed by different legislation than in England and Wales.
“We were prepared to run a pilot which would enable the club to gather data and feedback to further inform us in the issue of crowd safety.
“But I have become convinced that railseating would enhance safety. The club is extremely disappointed with this decision and we have written back requesting a review.”