Today’s Stewarding

[Peabody]

My new seat is towards the back of P3 in the Putney End. During the second half, there was suddenly a gathering of stewards, they had gathered to deal with a small group of Fulham Fans who where standing. The stewards quickly moved in and made them sit down. At the same time, it was obvious that the majority of Forest Fans standing and this group of stewards wanted nothing to do with that.

Surely, as the monotonous voice announcer claims that Craven Cottage has a non standing policy, then this is applicable to all fans. Equally certain is that no standing only applies to Fulham Fans.

[sarnian]

4 rows from back in P3 and I saw nothing.

[Roberty]

For away games there are often dedicated standing areas that tickets that can be brought for

The problem with standing is that it blocks other peoples view - so if you were behind the ones who wanted to stand you can't sit to watch

Maybe we've given up on getting away fans to sit - they are just blocking the view of their own fans - maybe we have designated it as a standing area?

Unlike an open terrace everyone has there own designated space - where their seat is - so it presumable doesn't have the same danger. At Shrewsbury - where they have a standing area - it's not an open area but a designated seat where you are allowed to stand - along with everyone around and in front of you - instead of sit.

[_Putney_]

The problem with standing is that it blocks other peoples view - so if you were behind the ones who wanted to stand you can't sit to watch

True, but obviously there's a huge group that stand regularly at the back of the hammersmith end.  This group expanded a few rows further down against Millwall for a while and the steward was trying to get the 'new standers' to sit down, despite everyone else standing behind them... it's nonsense. They weren't blocking anyone.

[Ronnief]

The club is responsible for the safety of all spectators. Standing is a safety issue and until we have special areas especially designed to allow standing the club must take measures to prevent standing in the seated areas. I have written to three MPs including the Sports Minister urging Parliament to allow designated standing areas at football grounds.  Continental clubs have such areas and so do Shrewsbury Town. Until Craven Cottage install official standing areas with Government approval the club will have to make some attempt at preventing standing.