Safe standing

[FSF]

We realise that this is an emotive subject for some supporters, but hope that any debate can be constructive and factual, and respectful of all views. For more on some of the legalities, myths and facts behind safe standing, please visit our website.

The Football Supporters' Federation's campaign for safe standing is reaching a critical point.

A number Premier League and Championship clubs have already given their backing to the campaign, including Aston Villa, Bristol City, Crystal Palace, Derby County, Hull City, Peterborough United, as well as the Scottish Premier League, who have approved pilots of safe standing areas in their competition.

There is an Early Day Motion (EDM 573) proposed by Roger Godsiff MP calling on the government to allow pilot schemes of safe standing in the Premier League and Championship.

We are calling on fans to get involved if they back the idea of safe standing, by completing any or all of the following four steps on our website - http://www.fsf.org.uk/campaigns/safestanding/index.php:

Step 1 - Sign the FSF's Safe Standing Petition (if you haven't already)
Step 2 - Email your MP to let them know you back safe standing (there is a easy to follow process to do this through our website)
Step 3 - Let us know what response you get from your MP via [email protected].
Step 4 - Spread the word. Send this page to your mates via email, Facebook, Twitter or whatever other social media you prefer. If you're involved with a supporters' organisation, fanzine or website, use your links to promote the campaign.

The safe standing campaign is as much about those with a wish to sit as those who wish to stand - standing in seated areas happens every week, forcing those who are either unwilling or unable to stand to either miss the match or be forced to stand. The creation of standing areas would help improve the matchday experience for both types of supporter, and improve the safety of those who stand - it is surely safer to be standing in an area specifically designed for the purpose than to be standing behind seats in an all-seated stand?

The campaign is not about a re-introduction of terraces. The campaign is not about 'bringing back' anything. We would insist the requirements laid down in the government's 'Green Guide' are strictly adhered to.

To find out more of the facts, see images of the type of safe standing that we are proposing, as well as busting a few 'myths' to do with standing, simply visit our website - http://www.fsf.org.uk/campaigns/safestanding/index.php

We believe that fans should have the choice to sit or stand. We believe that the technology is there to allow fans to stand in safety. If you agree with us, please follow the steps above today.

Thanks,

The FSF

[Edwatch_Winston_Malone]

very subjective use of the term "fact"...

[Walsh]

I love it! Keep up the good work, I used to go to a lot of Rugby matches which were standing and the atmosphere is twice as good for some reason.

[os5889]

Discuss this regularly down the pub, our merry band are all for it and I've already signed the petition, though I do fear the British footballing public are too fat and lazy to stand up even when rail seats are fitted for this to ever become a reality.

I've been poked, jeered and hit for creeping off my seat in an attack before, the prawn sandwich brigade will have none of it...

P.S. I am a large lad so no offence to anyone who gets a bit uppedy!

[Burt]

There is definitely a correlation between atmosphere and standing, in my opinion. And if safe standing is just that (i.e. safe) then there is no reason why it shouldnt be trialled.

[SP]

Pretty much top of my FFC wish list is the Enclosure reverting to its former standing glory & probably adding another 1000 in the ground.

[Edwatch_Winston_Malone]

Pretty much top of my FFC wish list is the Enclosure reverting to its former standing glory & probably adding another 1000 in the ground.

I would love the enclosure to return to all standing as I spent most of my games switching ends there, when it was standing.  However, it would add no extra capicity to the stand as the capacity is governed by turnstile capacity and (in the case of this particular stand) very limited (bordering on the dangerous) under stand crowd circulating room...

[MJG]

Backward step for me. Too many near misses when standing in the past. Hope never to see it at the cottage to be honest.

[manxman]

I very much back Safe standing, It has worked so well in Germany creating better atmosphere, cheaper tickets, higher attendances and more revenue for the club. What is there not to like?! I dont understand how people think it is dangerous if it has been tested and used so many times before (without incidents).

If anything the seats can be more dangerous (If standing). Many times i have celebrated a goal and fallen over or back on to a seat and hurt myself.
With railing seats or what ever there called you have much more space around you this wouldn't happen. When i went to Hamburg i loved it, and i think its this type of thing England needs to get the passion and atmosphere back into the stands again.

I've signed the petition and i know many of my friends will aswell, COYWs

[nose]

I agree with MJG this is a backward step. Sooner or lkater, no matter how safe you think it is, there is bound to be a substantial accident. Actually i have never understood why not being able to see properly, and that is what standing means for the majority, is somehow better. Needing to stand all the time rather than jumping up when a goal is scored, reminds me of infants as against adults, no offence intended just an observation. In truth the majority want to sit, it is a vocal minority that want to stand.

However, having said all that if enough people want to stand then why not let them, make it as safe as possible and then advise them there is absolutely no insurance cover for any accidents or problems caused as a result of standing. Further the people standing should pay a premium for the additional risk require increased stewarding, policing and medical support. I am not being funny or argumentative but any cursory risk assesment would indicate that substantially more support would be needed.

[epsomraver]

I agree with MJG this is a backward step. Sooner or lkater, no matter how safe you think it is, there is bound to be a substantial accident.

Perhaps you could explain after looking at the way these standing areas are designed that this could happen?
we are not talking about going back to the old terraces, as already stated seating is not that safe if trouble starts as you have a trip barrier level with your knees

[MJG]

If anyone believes that by having a standing area is going to mean cheaper tickets than now is deluded. They may be the cheapest in the ground but will just become the base line for ticket costs.

[epsomraver]

There was always a vast difference between terrace prices and stand seats due to the amount of people who could be put into a similar  space, why should that change?It has to be market forces.

[Senior Supporter]

There was always a vast difference between terrace prices and stand seats due to the amount of people who could be put into a similar  space, why should that change?It has to be market forces.

From photos I have seen of "safe" standing areas people would be no more tightly packed than in seated areas.

[SP]

If Dortmond can safely accommodate 26,000 standing in one terrace surely anything is possible at the Cottage?