With the idea of safe standing areas being bandied around at the moment, and 13 British clubs currently backing the idea according to the BBC, I'm wondering what your guys thoughts are on it?
I think standing terraces create a pretty decent atmosphere, and if it could be safely could be a very good idea.
Only need to look over to Germany to see how it can be done well and safely. I also read another article the other day about Borussia Dortmund, and a couple of their fans said that the standing areas are vital to the atmosphere they create.
Do you support the idea or are you against it?
Here are the links to those articles:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20679867
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/david-conn-inside-sport-blog/2012/dec/02/ermany-bundesliga-noisy-fans
Safe standing idea
posted on 11/12/12
I can't really make my mind up whether I am in favour or not.
I stand up at Peterborough, and I when I went to Liverpool v Anzhi recently the Kop stood up any time anything remotely exciting happened.
I know the appeal of standing and I prefer it to seating, but at the same time, I think English football has benefitted from all seater stadia in a big way, and I am not sure as a society that cheaper tickets and more morons at games that will almost inevitably bring is a good thing.
posted on 11/12/12
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posted on 11/12/12
There is two sides to the coin, on the one hand cheaper tickets and potentially a better atmosphere at games. On the other a risk of the cheaper tickets alluring less then savoury characters back to matches and a return to hooliganism is possible, yet in my view unlikely.
Also, if it were too make a return, how do you think it would happen. At Anfield for example, one standing area being the Kop, or at least part of it, and another at the Annie Rd end for away fans? With the Cen + Main stand remaining all seater?
It would certainly be interesting if it were to ever make a return
posted on 11/12/12
That should read, would certainly be interesting to see how it would work if it were to return.
posted on 11/12/12
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posted on 11/12/12
I don't think they will bring back the standing terraces.
If they do, I can't see it at Anfield of all places.
Another thing is people. People have changed. Back in the 60/70/80s, people would pee through their rolled up programmes. Can you imagine that in this day ? "Arr lad, you've pissd all ova me wheels"
posted on 11/12/12
The reason people piśśed where they stood was because they used to be packed in so tight, once you where there, you where there. Pay at the gate and in you went, where as under new standing areas there would be so much more room!
posted on 11/12/12
Only if clubs/FA can ensure its 100% safe. It also needs the attitude of standing fans to change/accept being in a standing area. (pushing, being pushed, violence, stewarding, identifying trouble makers)
I personally can't see it happening, but miss watching on the terraces
posted on 11/12/12
Fellaini is spot on if safety can be eunsured 100% then it could be brought back.
However you can never guarantee anything 100%
I have to say after Hilsborough and especially being a Liverpool fan i would expect Liverpool Football Club to always be a fully seated ground no matter what other clubs do.
The memories i have standing on the kop were a million times better than any i can recall since 94 when the kop was closed.
posted on 11/12/12
The reason people piśśed where they stood was because they used to be packed in so tight, once you where there, you where there. Pay at the gate and in you went, where as under new standing areas there would be so much more room!
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This is true, in existing standing areas in the football league, the safety measures in place mean that even in a 'full' stand, there is plenty of room for manoeuvre.