Safe Standing

[chelseafan]

The safe standing campaign in England is growing. Clubs are coming out and declaring their support for the campaign and the FSF (Football Supports Federation) are gaining widespread support from fans and there is political support from MP's as well.

What is your opinion on safe standing? Should it be introduced in England?

 

[gordonm]

i mustn't be paying attention as i don't know what it is about.
i will go have alook on google!

 

[chelseafan]

It's about football fans having the right to stand at matches. Safe standing zones have been hugely successful in Germany.

Have a look at this video, it's simple and it gets the point across in a humorous way

 

[gordonm]

yep i agree thats a very good idea! why has it not been implicated then? maybe they could just do some areas like that so familes can still go to seated ares if they want.
im mean do you know anyone who manages to stay seated when your team scores?

 

[chelseafan]

Of course, the whole stadium will not be standing. Around 80% of the stadium will remain seated, everybody will be catered for.

Standing will reduce the cost of tickets and bring back the core supporters.

The reason it hasn't been reintroduced is because it is still a very touchy subject in England. Some people never want to go back after the Hillsborough tragedy. They fail to understand the disaster was caused by police incompetence and a series of mistakes by the authorities, and that modern safe standing zones are safer than the old school terraces.

 

[sillylucy]

I think it's a fun idea, but there would have to be some regulation and crowd control. I wouldn't want to be in a safe standing zone if people are drinking and being rowdy.

 

[chelseafan]

I think it's a fun idea, but there would have to be some regulation and crowd control. I wouldn't want to be in a safe standing zone if people are drinking and being rowdy.

You are not allowed to drink during the game, only before the game and at half time.

Football support should be rowdy and boisterous. The football authorities have sanitised the game to increase profits but it is boring. Fans now sit on their seats and watch like they are at the theatre, that's not how it should be.

 

[oggiver]

I'm all for standing sections at games. It creates a much better atmosphere, especially at grounds where the stewards are strict on making people sit down the whole game. At lower league games where standing is still allowed things are a lot more enjoyable.

 

[chelseafan]

I'm all for standing sections at games. It creates a much better atmosphere, especially at grounds where the stewards are strict on making people sit down the whole game. At lower league games where standing is still allowed things are a lot more enjoyable.

You are spot on, gordon. Standing definitely improves the atmosphere. You feel more involved in the game when you are standing, I'm not exactly sure why, though. The atmosphere in the Bundesliga is great and they have standing.

Safe standing sections would also reduce ticket prices and bring back the core supporters.

 

[oggiver]

Brighton have just come out and said that they're completely against introducing standing areas. Bit of a shame.

The club does not support any move for “safe standing” in football stadia and is not considering such a move for the American Express Community Stadium. We have just spent over £100 million developing a state of the art all-seated football stadium, recently named best new venue in the world. One of our main aims was to make the stadium fully inclusive for anyone who wishes to watch and enjoy football, regardless of their age, sex, height, or physical condition, and for them to do so in an atmosphere that is conducive to comfort, great views, and good behaviour. This is in stark contrast to standing areas where a large percentage of the general football watching population are excluded because they would be unable to actually see the pitch. In turn, standing areas create the potential for poor behaviour to go undetected and unresolved. As a club that is doing all it can to promote a family event atmosphere within the stadium and on its approaches, this would be a backward step.

More

 

[chelseafan]

That is disappointing but I'm sure more clubs will jump on the bandwagon. Aston Villa and Celtic are in support of safe standing zones.

Their statement highlights the hypocrisy.

'make the stadium fully inclusive for anyone who wishes to watch and enjoy football, regardless of their age, sex, height, or physical condition, and for them to do so in an atmosphere that is conducive to comfort, great views, and good behaviour'

No one will be sitting in a standing zone and no one will be standing in a seated area. Standing zones ensure everyone is happy and the stadium is inclusive. Laughable statement from Brighton.

 

[Hedonologist]

I'm in support of safe standing, primarily because I have no reason to oppose it. Personally I wouldn't want to be in the standing zone, but if that's what people prefer I see no reason to oppose it.