FA backs safe-standing for top tiers of English football

The FA has thrown its backing behind safe standing at football ground across the country, according to the BBC.

As long as there is “clear evidence that satisfies authorities”, the Football Association is content to join the Premier League and EFL in supporting the decision of clubs to install safe standing facilities in the top two tiers of English football. The government are expected to complete a review on the matter by the end of the year.

Standing areas have been banned in English football’s top two divisions by the Football Spectator’s Act in 1989 following the Hillsborough disaster, in which 96 Liverpool fans lost their lives.

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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – Tuesday, April 15, 2014: Flowers left at the eternal flame memorial before the 25th Anniversary Hillsborough Service at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

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A spokesperson for the FA announced that “the FA supported the announcement from Sports Minister Tracey Crouch in June to conduct an external analysis of evidence in relation to the all-seater policy”, adding that the FA “supports clubs and leagues in having the option to choose whether they wish to provide standing options for supporters should there be clear evidence that satisfies the authorities over safety and security”.

A recent survey conducted by the EFL found that 94% of 33,000 participants said fans should be allowed to choose to stand or sit at games; 70% of Premier League fans who attended games were in favour of standing, if it was offered.

Sports Minister Tracey Crouch said in June that her “mind was open” to safe standing after apologising for saying only a “vocal minority” wanted standing areas at their clubs.

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Source: anfieldhq.com