The campaign to introduce safe-standing areas in Premier League grounds "will take a significant step forward next week when the issue is debated for the first time at a meeting of the top-flight clubs," according to Martyne Ziegler of the LONDON TIMES. Almost all Premier League clubs are now understood to be "in favour of pushing ahead with moves that could see flexible rail seating introduced into grounds in the next two or three years." The rail seats can "either be locked in an upright position, allowing fans to stand, or lowered for use in competitions such as the Champions League, which demands all-seater stadiums." It "follows a successful trial this season of rail seats for nearly 3,000 fans at Celtic," and support from some of the biggest clubs, including Man City, ManU and Tottenham Hotspur. It would "probably need government backing, however, to change the legislation brought in after the Hillsborough disaster, which made all-seater stadiums mandatory." There are still "sensitivities" surrounding Hillsborough. For that reason, Liverpool would be "unlikely to embrace any moves with enthusiasm." Tottenham has "included the facility to incorporate rail seats" as part of the plans for its new stadium it has sent officials on fact-finding missions to Celtic and Borussia Dortmund. ManU is "also understood to be supportive of the proposals, especially given that large sections of fans at Old Trafford already stand throughout their matches" (LONDON TIMES, 11/11).
