Case for football match standing is backed by MP
THE campaign to bring standing back to top-tier English football is gathering momentum.
A huge number of fans have backed the effort to introduce safe standing sections at Premier League and Championship stadiums.
Gateshead MP Ian Mearns says rail seating could be a solution. This involves building a barrier and a seat on each row.
The seats can be locked upright for domestic games and unlocked for European matches where standing is also not allowed.
Similar technology is already in use in Scotland and Germany.
A petition to reintroduce safe standing in the top two divisions has been backed by more than 110,000 people.
The Football Supporters’ Federation was invited to speak to an all-party Parliamentary group about the issue on Tuesday.
Mr Mearns seemed convinced by the argument for bringing in rail seating, particularly in away sections.
The Labour MP told Sky Sports: “What they’ve said to us is that [rail seating] is a solution to a problem which already exists in most large grounds. “Standing already occurs but it doesn’t occur in a safe environment because instead of having a rail in front and behind of a supporter, what you actually have is seating which can be a trip hazard, and that actually is true. “I know that from personal experience going to away games. Week in, week out, fans at away games in the top two divisions invariably stand.” A full Parliamentary debate on safe standing will be held on May 25. Mr Mearns added: “I remained to be persuaded but I’ve actually seen an engineering solution to a problem which actually exists. I think it did hit home to me tonight by the presentation that it is a problem which uniformly exists in the top two divisions.” Standing areas have been banned in English football’s top two divisions since 1989. Last month the Government rejected Premier League side West Bromwich Albion’s proposed pilot scheme of 3,600 rail seats at their ground. Would you support the return of safe standing at the like of St James’ Park? Give us your views by writing to: Letters, The Chronicle, 2nd Floor, Eldon Court, Percy Street, Newcastle NE1 7JB.