The Premier League wrote to its 20 clubs "asking if they would be interested in taking part in a trial to reintroduce standing sections in their grounds," according to Matt Slater of the London INDEPENDENT. The question "is part of a wider survey on the issue of safe standing" and it follows an earlier commitment to conduct a "fact-finding exercise" on the matter. An EPL spokesperson said in a statement, "Last November clubs tasked the Premier League with scoping out the safety, supporter, technical and legislative issues surrounding permitted standing before further discussions, based on facts, take place. This survey is part of that process." The pilot scheme question "is undoubtedly the most interesting but it is also hypothetical," as the government "remains opposed" to the idea and "many senior police officers are still unsure about the safety implications" of allowing football fans to stand during games. A Department of Culture, Media & Sport spokesperson said, "The government currently has no plans to change its position and introduce standing accommodation at grounds covered by the all-seater requirement" (INDEPENDENT, 6/22). In London, Mike Keegan reported the EPL declined to comment on the survey but is "known to be neutral on the issue and pointed out that it is still an exploratory stage." Should safe standing be allowed, "clubs will not be forced to introduce it." Scottish Premiership side Celtic unveiled rail-seating for 2,600 fans at Parkhead last season "and the move is seen as a success." Advocates say that safe standing areas "improve the atmosphere, do not carry the risks of the old terraces and, potentially, can make going to games more affordable" (DAILY MAIL, 6/21).
