[ad_1]
November 11 – Chelsea’s high-profile home Premier League game against Liverpool on January 2 will mark the return of standing in the English top flight for nearly 30 years.
The match has been confirmed as the first in the Premier League’s safe standing trial.
Permission was given for the trial in September and four clubs have now been approved to carry them out: Manchester United and City and Tottenham Hotspur in addition to Chelsea.
Cardiff City in the Championship will also conduct trials after getting their license approved. While technically these are just trials, they mark the end of the blanket ban on standing that’s been in place for a quarter of a century as a result of the Hillsborough disaster which cost 97 lives. Grounds in the first and second tiers of the English football pyramid have been required by law to be all-seaters.
In recent seasons, campaigners have called for standing areas to be reintroduced and barrier or rail seating has been developed to provide seats that can be converted to standing areas when desired.
“I’m pleased to approve these five clubs as early adopters of licensed safe standing areas for the second half of the season,” said British sports minister Nigel Huddleston.
“The time is now right to properly trial safe standing in the Premier League and EFL Championship ahead of a decision on a widespread roll-out.
“Safety is absolutely paramount and the SGSA [Sports Grounds Safety Authority] is working hand-in-glove with the clubs on this. Fans deserve different options on how they can enjoy a live match and I will be watching the progress of these trials with interest.”
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1636465687labto1636465687ofdlr1636465687owedi1636465687sni@w1636465687ahsra1636465687w.wer1636465687dna1636465687
[ad_2]
Source link
