Fans and clubs lobbying for a return of "safe standing" areas to Premier League grounds "have been dealt a blow by the government" after the Department for Media, Culture & Sports announced it remains "unconvinced by the case" for its reinstatement, according to Malyon & Harris of the London INDEPENDENT. The law was changed in '89, "banning standing areas after the Hillsborough disaster where 96 Liverpool fans were crushed to death in an overcrowded section of the stadium in Sheffield at a FA Cup semifinal." But so-called "safe-standing" has been introduced in Scotland and fan groups at Arsenal, Crystal Palace and "a raft of other clubs have thrown their weight behind proposals for trials in the Premier League." However, the government's latest declarations "represent a significant setback for the campaign." The Department for Media, Culture & Sports said, "The government remains unconvinced by the case put forward for re-introducing standing accommodation at football grounds covered by the all-seater requirement, but will continue to monitor how it is working at Celtic." The Premier League administration had "only recently asked its member clubs to look into the feasibility and safety of adopting the rail seats amid a groundswell of support," stating, "This is a complex and emotive topic with a number of issues, varying from club to club, which need to be considered carefully before clubs can decide if they wish to pursue any changes, including legislative, that are required to allow them the option of safe standing areas in their grounds" (INDEPENDENT, 2/9). In London, Dave Fraser reported FA Chair Greg Clarke believes the atmosphere at games "would be dramatically enhanced if fans were to be allowed to stand." He said, "The chances of falling over are much less if there is a rail in front of you. With the issues of Hillsborough they will want to ensure that it’s going to be safe and well-policed. If football works together on this then we could get a result and the fans would love it" (THE SUN, 2/9).
HILLSBOROUGH BILL: In London, Ian Herbert reported legal experts will meet next week to "hammer out the details of how a ‘Hillsborough Law’ might prevent a repeat of the institutional subterfuge and lies" which followed the death of 96 Liverpool supporters at Sheffield Wednesday’s ground in '89. It took 27 years to "establish the degree to which South Yorkshire Police and other public services failed supporters, with the police then involved in a calculated project to deflect blame by besmirching supporters and it is expected that a ‘Hillsborough Law’ will be drafted and tabled later this year to ensure that cannot happen in the future" (INDEPENDENT, 2/9).
