Trials of safe standing at football grounds "moved a step closer after a survey of fans across the country" revealed that 96% backed its return, according to Sam Cunningham of the London DAILY MAIL. The campaign to see "standing in the terraces introduced back into English football has been gathering pace." A survey of 2,364 fans from around the country, conducted by the Welsh Conservatives and the Football Supporters Federation, "has confirmed that the majority would like to see it trialled in stadiums." The survey also suggested that 84% believe it would "decrease problems between stewards and fans" and 97% feel that "modern technology can make standing safe at grounds." Football Supporters Federation Dir of Communications Michael Brunskill said, "Many fans love to stand at games, it can vastly improve the atmosphere and camaraderie at games, it's only natural to stand when you sing" (DAILY MAIL, 2/16). In Cardiff, David Deans reported the Welsh Conservatives are "leading an attempt on Monday to pile pressure on colleagues in Westminster." Assembly Tory group leader Andrew RT Davies has called on the next U.K. Government, early in the new parliament, "to legislate for the move to allow a pilot in Wales." The survey, which invited people to take part through social media, found 96% backing a safe standing pilot to "trial modern stadium technology." Some 18% who took part were from Wales, and of those, 94% were in favor. The report said that supporters trusts at Cardiff City, Swansea City, Wrexham FC and Newport County "all back the calls for a pilot, as does the Football Supporters Federation and Jan Darch, from the Safe Standing Roadshow." Cardiff City has itself made arrangements for supporters who "wish to stand being located within the Canton Stand’s 'singing section'" (WALES ONLINE, 2/16). In London, Liam Corless reported former Labour Dir of Communications Alastair Campbell, a Burnley fan, said, "Every poll shows there is support for standing and tens of thousands of people make the demand clear every week by standing in front of their upturned seats, with none of the appalling consequences predicted by the forces of conservatism." Meanwhile, one of the Liverpool fans surveyed said, "Every week the
whole Kop stands without fail and without injury. It’s an issue of
common sense" (DAILY MIRROR, 2/16). SKY SPORTS reported Bristol City is "the first club in Britain to install rail seats but
the moment the seats at Ashton Gate are only removed when rugby matches
take place at the ground." Cardiff Supporters' Trust Chair Tim Hartley said, "We have safe
standing at my club Cardiff City, behind the goal people are allowed to
stand, now this does breach the regulations but not the law. But the club has interpreted the regulations to say if you want to stand there then it is a customer service issue" (SKY SPORTS, 2/16).
MANCHESTER FANS ON BOARD: In Manchester, Dean Kirby reported ManU and Man City fans said that "they would welcome moves to introduce 'safe standing' at grounds." A spokesperson for the Independent Manchester United Supporters Association said, "We know from Germany that rail seats are safer. Safety incidents there are so low that they don't even record them." Michael Brunskill, from the Football Supporters Federation, said, "Safe standing exists on the continent and we believe it should be introduced into our grounds as well" (MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS, 2/16).
