Posted on 27th July 2017
This is a story from the FSF archive – the FSF and SD merged to become the FSA in 2019.
Leicester City and Middlesbrough fans both overwhelming support safe standing according to new surveys carried out by atmosphere group Union FS and the Middlesbrough Supporters Forum.
Union FS surveyed more than 1,200 Foxes and found that 87% wanted to see safe standing introduced at the King Power Stadium.
A large majority of Leicester City fans (86%) believed a safe standing section would enhance the atmosphere at the King Power Stadium and 68% say it would improve safety for match going fans.
Union FS said: “We feel that the results are a clear indication that standing areas are wanted by a significant portion of the fan base.
“Standing areas have been proven to be popular, safe and conducive to a positive matchday atmosphere in Europe and beyond.
“We believe that further deflection of a key issue in English football will leave our national footballing culture trailing further behind other countries’ across the globe.”
Union FS are taking their results to Leicester City and hope the club will publicly support the introduction of safe standing.
In the north east, more than 3,300 Middlesbrough fans took part in a survey organised by the Middlesbrough Supporters Forum, one of the biggest single-issue surveys on safe standing in recent seasons.
Like their counterparts at Leicester City, Middlesbrough fans overwhelming supported the introduction of safe standing at their ground – 94% backed the choice between sitting and standing at the match.
61% of those who prefer to sit still think fans should be given the choice of whether to sit or stand. 96% of Middlesbrough supporters who preferred to stand cite better atmosphere as their main reason for supporting safe standing.
Peter Daykin, co-ordinator of the Safe Standing Campaign at the Football Supporters’ Federation, said: “We’re really pleased that so many Middlesbrough and Leicester City supporters have taken the time to contribute to these surveys.
“They’ve proven once again that safe standing is remarkably popular among all types of supporters and that fans overwhelmingly back the choice between seating and modern standing accommodation.”
Brentford, QPR and Wolves are the latest clubs to confirm they will have safe standing areas – and more clubs are expected to follow next season as the Government has confirmed that Premier League and Championship clubs can introduce standing during 2022/23.
The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) was contacted last night by the Sports Ground Safety Association (SGSA), who told us that the option for football clubs to offer licensed standing at all levels of the game in England and Wales has at last been passed into official Government policy.
This week UEFA confirmed that it has approved the use of safe standing in European competitions for the upcoming 2022-23 season.
As part of our partnership with BeGambleAware, safer gambling ambassador and former England goalkeeper David James has selected a shortlist of six of the best saves from the past 12 months for the Safe Hands Award.
