Comments on: Safe Standing, Twenty Years On From Hillsborough

By: Football Souvenirs

Football Souvenirs — Thu, 06 May 2010 10:06:36 +0000

I feel that safety of the supporters is paramount; Hillsborough was a tragedy waiting to happen and we need to learn the lessons from that disaster and never let it happen again. The way supporters were treated in those days was a disgrace. Justice for the 96.

By: Kombi Servisi

Kombi Servisi — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 12:20:56 +0000

The Kombi convertible seating does not look very safe. I’m suprised people don’t trip over them when collapsed. I would also imagine they’re easily damaged. Perhaps I’m wrong.

By: David

David — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:09:43 +0000

I think that all league grounds should be all-seater, to avoid another Hillsborough disaster.

By: Mike Bartram

Mike Bartram — Sun, 31 May 2009 07:35:55 +0000

I’m a Liverpol fan, obviously this is a very sensitive issue with us fans in particular. I was brought up on the standing kop of the late 60′s and the 70′s and that sort of atmosphere is sorely missed at Anfield now.

I’m currently writing a book of poetry regarding Hillsborough, once poem is simply called ‘Terraces’, and it’s my personal view on the subject…….

Terraces

A sensitive question that some people are even afraid to ask.
Because even just to discuss it, people can be taken to task.
But it’s still a valid question that needs to be answered all the same.
And it’s should whether or not the terraces should be allowed back
in to our game?
Some peoples will always say no, and I respect their reasons why.
But I believe it was not just the terraces that caused anyone to die.
And some people will disagree with me, and I see their point of view.
But ‘Hillsborough’ could have been avoided, is what I think to be true.
Because the steps and barriers at that ground shouldn’t take all the
blame.
Though some people may rightly argue that people still died there
just the same.
But maybe we should look at it again and at all the lessons that we
had to learn.
And one day in the future discuss whether the terraces should make
a return.

By: Matt Smith

Matt Smith — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 09:34:01 +0000

I’ve been banging on about this ever since it was ‘abolished’ after the Taylor report. A knee-jerk reaction to a (another) police farce.
1) Its done perfectly safely at gigs and festivals where the number of people is many many times greater – with very few ‘safety’ measures.
2) Our continental cousins manage it without problem.
3) People continue to stand in seated areas where it is much more dangerous anyway – also without incident.
3) It DOES improve atmosphere and also capacity. Has it not occured to clubs that more people through the gates means more money? Just sell tickets like you do with seats and when they’re gone then its sold out – impossible to overcrowd.
4) The CHOICE should be there for people who want it. I can GUARANTEE that a section for standing would be sold out for every game all over the country whatever the stadium.
5) Stewarding and policing have improved in recent years so the likelyhood of trouble would be no greater than with seated areas.
6) All crowds whether seated ot otherwise are relied upon to behave. Saying it will encourage violence is ridiculous.
I started watching football in the South Bank at Molineux and the day it was ripped down was a very sad one indeed. I’m all for renovation and improvement but stopping people from standing was a backward step and should be reversed ASAP.

By: The legacy of Hillsborough

The legacy of Hillsborough — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 10:58:31 +0000

[...] Terracing is not, in itself, unsafe. If it was, the lower leagues would have been forced to replace the stands with seats years ago. Proponents of safe standing will point to the Bundesliga, where crowds are rising, tickets are cheaper and fans happily stand at top-of-the-table matches. Shalke’s Veltins Arena is an excellent example of this. [...]

By: Football Gifts

Football Gifts — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 20:44:35 +0000

I really like the look of that kombi seat. I think Micah missed the point that the seat not only folds flat to the floor, but the floor actually folds over again containing the seat in a void below. Seems like a pretty good answer. I’m sure improved cctv inside stadia and out would help against the threat of a return to the hooligan days.

By: The Gaffer

The Gaffer — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 07:02:02 +0000

I’m all for safe standing. Depending on the Premier League ground, many fans stand throughout games anyway although it’s nothing close to the terracing of yore.

Just as a footnote, I interviewed the Football Supporters Federation for a previous EPL Talk Podcast episode here if anyone is interested. The representative spoke extensively about safe standing and other related issues.

Cheers,
The Gaffer

By: » Blog Archive » Safe standing

» Blog Archive » Safe standing — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 19:49:21 +0000

[...] have said they would consider it and a number of MPs have signed an Early Day Motion supporting it. This article has the story in fascinating detail. This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 25th, 2009 at [...]

By: Micah

Micah — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 18:06:02 +0000

The Kombi convertible seating does not look very safe. I’m suprised people don’t trip over them when collapsed. I would also imagine they’re easily damaged. Perhaps I’m wrong.

When it comes to the UK does the goverment not trust the FA to keep up with safety standards or is it a matter of not trusting supporters to act like civilized persons? Maybe both?

If safety was the number on issue one would think a new system would could be devised to make a terrace safe and sound for those wishing to stand. The fact that this has not happened would leave me to believe that deep down is the supporter that isn’t trusted in a terrace enviorment.