ANFIELD FANS ARE MAKING A STAND
But they face big fight to change all-seat law
Campaigners for safe standing must now set about winning over the government, boosted by an overwhelming 88 per cent vote in favour among Liverpool fans. Westminster sources have told
Sportsmail they will need to see a coalition of authorities — including the premier League, Football association and police — hammering down its door on this issue. Only then are ministers likely to consider making the necessary change to legislation which was introduced after the 1990 Taylor report into the Hillsborough Disaster.
The volume of support among Liverpool fans was beyond all expectation, with an extraordinary 17,910 fans voting in an online poll run by the spirit of shankly (sos) organisation. it was the biggest turn-out in any supporters’ vote.
sos said that the result was ‘ a significant step’ in the campaign for the introduction of ‘rail seats’ which can be locked back, allowing fans to stand. a total of 15,798 fans — 88.21 per cent — said they were in favour of safe seating being introduced, with 902 (five per cent) against and 859 (4.8 per cent) stating that they wanted more information. The rest were undecided.
But though the support of Liverpool supporters was essential, it may still be tough to convince riskaverse ministers and police that the standing sections will not damage the family-friendly, more inclusive atmosphere that all-seat stadiums have created.
The sos poll found seven out of 10 women in favour and the task of demonstrating that safe standing can benefit all will be helped by the section shrewsbury Town will open later in the season.
shrewsbury will tonight launch a crowdfunding campaign to raise the money for what will be the first safe standing section in english football. Their efforts are being supported by one of the world’s leading safe standing exponents — Borussia Dortmund. The german club are providing prize tickets for fans to be part of their famous Yellow Wall as a way of encouraging support for the crowdfunding campaign.
sos chair Jay mcKenna said the overwhelming Liverpool vote in favour of safe standing should not be used as a way of brushing aside questions about the technology required.
‘We will not stand for anyone misusing our position,’ mcKenna told the anfield Wrap podcast. ‘There might be people saying, “This is a blank cheque. Liverpool fans have said it’s OK”. many views have been expressed and i would urge anyone to listen to fans who have questions to answer.’