Lib Dems "stand up" for football crowds

Safe standing at football grounds would be encouraged by a Liberal Democrat government, according to Charles Kennedy.

The Ross, Skye and Lochaber MP said on Tuesday that clubs in the top divisions would be given the green light to proceed with the areas.

Under newly announced manifesto plans, football clubs across England and Wales would be allowed to work with their supporters to introduce standing areas.

Safe standing already operates in domestic leagues across Europe, including Germany, Austria and Sweden and is backed by 92% of football fans.

Some 70% of UK football clubs support safe standing and fans say standing provides a better atmosphere. Introducing safe standing would also cut the price of going to watch a football match.

In Scotland the Scottish Football Association gave the green light to safe-standing in December 2011.

However, Celtic FC have had their application rejected this month by Glasgow City Council. Confusion has arisen as the Safety Advisory Group, chaired by Glasgow City Council, stated safe-standing matters may be a matter for the Scottish Government, and yet Celtic FC have previously been told by the Scottish Government that this is a decision which must be taken by local authorities.

Mr Kennedy said: “The Liberal Democrats believe football clubs should be allowed to introduce safe standing areas where there is a desire to do so. Safe standing is allowed in many other sports and we do not believe that the top level of football should be an exception.

“We are not calling for a return of the terraces of the 1980s. In my own constituency Ross County FC, previous to an all-seater upgrade, has had a track record of safe use of standing in high capacity games. These new proposals for modern safe standing areas now use ‘rail seating’ and operate very successfully in top tier football across Europe.

“Safe standing offers supporters more choice, a better atmosphere and cheaper tickets. It is no surprise that 92% of supporters and 70% of clubs in the UK want to see safe-standing.

“When clubs and fans are in favour of safe standing and it can be done safely, then the Government shouldn't get in the way. However, Celtic FC's application to Glasgow City Council has arisen confusion as to whether this is a matter for local authorities or the Scottish Government. The Scottish Government must clarify the situation.

“This is an idea whose time has come and I am more than happy to support clubs, like Ross County FC in my constituency, who have indicated their preference to move introduce safe-standing."

Mr Kennedy explained there were several options for safe standing areas: “The most commonly used one, and the one most likely to be used in the UK, is ‘rail seating’, a system where a safety barrier and flip down seat is equipped on every other row or step, so the areas can be changed from seats to standing areas depending on the event requirements. Rail seats also mean that clubs playing in Europe, where UEFA require all seater stadiums, could convert to seating if required.”

Safe standing areas improved the atmosphere and contributed to a better match day experience, he insisted.

The majority of football fans wanted the choice.

“Some fans like to stand, some fans prefer to sit, we want to give all fans the choice. And we have the backing of supporters with nine out of ten fans wanting to be given the choice according to the Football Supporters.

Allowing clubs to introduce safe standing areas gives them more flexibility and could lead to a reduction in ticket prices. Watching football is expensive. Safe standing areas allow clubs to accommodate a higher density of supporters safely which can mean cheaper ticket prices for all.

Ross County Chairman, Roy MacGregor said: "I was glad to see Bristol City have become the first British club to make serious plans to introduce a safe-standing area.

"I know their plans involve rugby union first, but rail seats which lock and unlock can surely be used sensibly in football and have worked well in the Bundesliga in particular.

"I would hope there would be a clamour towards introducing safe-standing areas in Scotland and I would like to see Celtic being the first. If it can be established at the biggest football ground in the country then it can be implemented anywhere.

"I am keen to bring standing areas back at Ross County, with the Jailend the first place to do it, whatever it may entail. There has definitely been a movement in our support towards standing. Football grounds should not be quiet places, we want supporters to sing, build an atmosphere and enjoy themselves.”

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