League To Oppose Terraces Idea

The Premier League has announced it will oppose moves to reintroduce standing areas at top-flight football matches – this follows a proposed idea by the Football Supports’ Federation (FSF), to launch an online petition.

The petition will call for the return of standing areas in the Premier League and the Championship.

Terraces have been banned since 1989, following the Hillsborough disaster.

Premier League spokesperson Dan Johnson said: ‘Our view is that the benefits of all-seater stadia far outweigh the return of standing areas’.

The standing area issue has been revisited a number of times since 1994, when all-seater stadiums became compulsory.

Kate Hoey tried to back a scheme to reintroduce standing areas in stadiums when she was sports minister in 2001 – but the plans were blocked by the government.

According to media reports, the FSF held a meeting with representatives from the police, government and football authorities earlier this week.

FSF chairman Malcom Clarke said: ‘Fans do believe they have lost something in the move to all-seating. We will be doing further research to respond to the concerns of those who are not yet convinced’.

The government has insisted that no compelling case has been made to bring back standing areas.

Sports minister Hugh Roberston explained that he intended to examine the evidence for safe standing, but echoed others concerns that any change to the law would be unlikely.

A spokesperson for the Department for Culture, Media and Sports added: ‘Football grounds are safer and more comfortable than they were 20 years ago’.

‘All-seater stadia are the best means to ensure the safety and security of fans and have been a contributing factor to the increased diversity of those attending matches in recent years’.