U.K.'s Lib Dems Say Football Fans Should Be Allowed To Stand At EPL Stadiums

The U.K.'s Lib Dems said that football fans "should be allowed to stand at Premier League grounds," according to Ben Glaze of the London DAILY MIRROR. Standing was phased out following the '89 Hillsborough disaster, in which 96 Liverpool fans died at the Sheffield stadium during an FA Cup semifinal against Nottingham Forest. Under the party's plans, clubs "would be allowed to work with supporters to create standing areas where clubs can offer cheaper standing season tickets." The Lib Dems highlighted research showing 92% of fans and 70% of clubs in the U.K. "want standing reintroduced." Party leader Tim Farron, who supports League Championship side Blackburn Rovers, said, "Safe standing is allowed in many other sports and we do not believe that the top level of football should be an exception. When clubs and fans are in favor of safe standing and it can be done safely, then the Government shouldn't get in the way" (DAILY MIRROR, 12/28).