FA supports safe standing in Premier League and EFL

Standing could return to English football after the Football Association supported new, safer proposals.

There is further support from the EFL and the Premier League should clubs wish to install the new form of standing, which the FA backed provided there is ‘clear evidence that it satisfies authorities.’

Following the Hillsborough disaster in 1989, the Football Spectators’ Act of the same year abolished standing in the top two divisions. A government review into the possibility of safe standing is due to conclude by the end of the year.

A spokesperson for the FA confirmed: ‘The FA supported the announcement from Sports Minister Tracey Crouch in June to conduct an external analysis of evidence in relation to the all-seater policy.’

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Crouch said her ‘mind was open’ over safe standing, but has previously apologised for saying it was just a ‘vocal minority’ in favour.

The statement continued that the FA ‘supports clubs and leagues in having the option to choose whether they wish to provide standing options for supporters should there be clear evidence that satisfies the authorities over safety and security.’

Following the success of safe standing across Europe, in the Bundesliga and at Celtic, there has been growing interest from English clubs in introducing the arrangements in their stadiums.

94% of 33,000 respondents for an EFL survey wanted a choice over standing or seating at games, and 70% of Premier League fans asked felt the same.