SAFE standing is to be rolled out at eligible and willing Prem and Championship clubs next season.
The government has given the green light after being impressed by last term’s trial at Cardiff, Chelsea, Spurs and both Manchester giants.
Brentford, QPR and Wolves will introduce it soon, with Wembley Stadium also planning to offer it for domestic matches later in the campaign.
Culture secretary Nadine Dorries said: “We are not reintroducing terraces and only clubs which meet strict safety criteria will be permitted.
“Thanks to a robust trial, thorough evidence and modern engineering, we are now ready to allow standing once again in our grounds.”
Participating clubs will need enhanced use of CCTV, improved steward training and fans being strictly limited to ‘one person, one space’.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
Eriksen AGREES Man Utd deal, Malacia at training ground, Ronaldo absent
Win a Mercedes C63s AMG or £37k cash alternative from just 89p
They are also required to engage with fans as part of their application process.
A report on last season’s trial concluded: “The installation of barriers or rails in areas of persistent standing in seated areas has delivered a positive impact on spectator safety and improved fans’ matchday experience in both home and away sections.”
It recommended clubs should be given the chance to implement licensed standing areas “as soon as possible”.
Designated standing areas had not been seen at top-flight grounds since the adoption of all-seater stadia in the early 1990s.
Most read in Football
RIK AND ROLL 
Eriksen 'AGREES Man Utd transfer' as he snubs Brentford move after Prem return
Man Utd and Arsenal 'make contact with Paulo Dybala's agent' over free transfer
Man Utd starlet Dylan Levitt wanted by Dundee United
Forest ready to steal Lewis O’Brien from Huddersfield in £10m transfer
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
That was a recommendation of the Taylor Report following the Hillsborough disaster in 1989 when 97 fans died in a crush.
Many supporters have continued to stand in seated areas since, particularly behind goals, despite regular local authority and police warnings that it is dangerous.
Sports minister Nigel Huddleston added: “Fans have long campaigned for its introduction and we have worked carefully with supporters groups, including the families affected by the tragic Hillsborough football disaster.”
Source: Read Full Article
