Liverpool fans hail Celtic’s safe standing “positive experience”

A delegation of Liverpool fans visited Celtic Park this weekend to see the UK’s first rail-seating area first-hand.

Attending Celtic’s 3-0 home win against Ross County in the Scottish Premier League to experience the club’s safe standing section – the delegation’s visit followed on from Spirit of Shankly’s membership voting to support rail seating in a consultation last year.

After the match, Spirit of Shankly chair Jay McKenna told the BBC: “It did feel safe. It just felt normal.

“You had a bit more space, and there was no sense that it felt cramped or overcrowded.

“What was really heartening was there was a whole range of people in there, and so many young people.

“We wanted to see it at a place which was something close to the sort of stadium we have. We came away thinking it was a very positive experience.”

Arranged by Celtic Supporter Liaison Officer John-Paul Taylor, the visit included Hillsborough survivors and Hillsborough families.

The Liverpool fans attended the club’s pre-match briefing and were able to put questions to safety staff about how they manage the rail-seating section and how it has been welcomed so far.

David Hughes, whose father Eric died in the Hillsborough disaster, was part of the delegation and was joined by his daughter Kallie.

He told the Liverpool Echo: “I’m hoping people within the Hillsborough Family Support Group and within Liverpool FC will take that on board because Liverpool supporters really want this

 “And I really hope it comes in so we can create a better atmosphere at Anfield.”

Thanks to Celtic FC for the image used in this news article.