Post by Webster on Sept 24, 2021 14:45:05 GMT
(The Guardian) Safe standing: It was announced on Wednesday that a pilot programme offering licensed safe standing areas at approved clubs which are currently subject to the Government’s all-seater policy is set to start on January 1 of next year and run until the end of the season.
It is understood Liverpool will not apply to take part in this pilot, because it is already running its own trial with temporary rail seating in two areas of Anfield. The Merseyside club’s current trial is only designed to allow safe standing at particular moments of excitement in a game, rather than throughout a game. Liverpool will then review their trial at the end of the season.
Jurgen Klopp was enthused by the notion that standing in the top divisions of English football was being talked about and tested again. A blanket ban has been in place for more than 25 years, after legislation was passed in the wake of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster which led to the deaths of 97 Liverpool fans. “I think it’s a good moment to start thinking about how we can get back to where we were,” he said. “Football is really about atmosphere, we all know that and the more people in the stadium, the better the atmosphere is.
“The more people, in the right position, the better the atmosphere is. I’m pretty sure the people on the Kop stand most of the time anyway. But it’s good that we’re talking about it again, that we might reintroduce it again, test it again and I’m pretty sure the people are now responsible enough.
“I like the idea and I’m really excited about how much better the atmosphere could be at Anfield if we have safe standing. I’d be really surprised if it could be even better, but I hope for that, so let’s see.”
Tottenham and Manchester City are among the clubs understood to be keen on applying, while Dean Smith earlier today that he would be keen on having safe standing at Villa Park.