Chelsea "will consider a safe standing area at a rebuilt Stamford Bridge -- but only if" the government changes the laws, according to Mike Keegan of the London DAILY MAIL. Planning proposals have been submitted for a £500M ($607M) project that would see the club’s home "demolished and rebuilt, with the capacity rising from 41,000 to 60,000." And the issue of including standing areas at the revamped stadium has been "regularly raised by supporters groups." The club is reportedly "open to the idea, but will only explore the possibility should there be new legislation." They will "not campaign for such a change." The issue "remains emotive on Merseyside following the Hillsborough disaster, in which 96 Liverpool fans were unlawfully killed 27 years ago." Liverpool supporters group Spirit of Shankly was "recently asked to vote on rail seating." The ballot returned a result of 93% in favor and 4.7% against "with the remainder abstaining" (DAILY MAIL, 10/11).
MANU EXECS VISIT CELTIC: In London, Ian Herbert reported ManU execs have visited Scottish Premiership side Celtic’s ground "to examine its safe standing area as supporters’ representatives seek to push for it to be introduced to a section of Old Trafford." The ManU Supporters’ Trust helped organize the visit to Parkhead’s 2,975-capacity standing section, opened this season, "and there are hopes that the prospect of an Old Trafford equivalent by way of rail seating will be discussed at the next fans’ forum next month." ManU Exec Vice-Chair Ed Woodward "has always been willing to explore the idea," with his experience of standing at Chelmsford City, in his native Essex, being a "contributory factor." A survey by the Stretford End Flags organization "has underlined support for the idea" among ManU supporters. A 93% vote in favor -- "identically mirroring the support in Liverpool" -- has been followed up by SEF canvassing supporters on where they would like a safe standing area to be (INDEPENDENT, 10/10).
