Is English Football Ready for Safe Standing?

On the 15th April 1989, Hillsborough was the scene of the worst disaster in British football history. That day, 96 people tragically lost their lives, crushed in two small standing areas in the stadium. Thirty years later and the issue of standing at…

On the 15th April 1989, Hillsborough was the scene of the worst disaster in British football history. That day, 96 people tragically lost their lives, crushed in two small standing areas in the stadium. Thirty years later and the issue of standing at…

On the 15th April 1989, Hillsborough was the scene of the worst disaster in British football history.

That day, 96 people tragically lost their lives, crushed in two small standing areas in the stadium.

Thirty years later and the issue of standing at football remains contentious. 

The Taylor Report, an inquiry into the question of safe spectating at football matches concluded in part that, “Whilst standing accommodation is not intrinsically unsafe, all-seater stadia bring benefits to spectator comfort, safety and crowd control”.

To this day, there are no standing terraces in the top tiers of English football. But this could be about to change.

In this episode, we ask: what impact will Manchester United’s stadium plans have on safe standing in English football?

Guests:

Ian Stirling (@Stirling061) is Vice-Chair of Manchester United Supporters’ Trust and Fans’ Forum Rep.

Jon Darch (@SafeStandingRS) runs the Safe Standing Roadshow and has spent the last decade lobbying clubs, politicians and fans about the benefits of safe standing in football.

Support Us:

https://www.patreon.com/FootballToday

Follow Us:

@FT_Podcast_

www.FootballTodayPodcast.com