Premier League clubs to trial standing sections in stadiums
The HinduSupporters will be allowed to stand in selected English Premier League and Championship grounds from next year as part of a pilot programme, UK's Sports Grounds Safety Authority said on Wednesday. RELATED | Liverpool honours 97th victim of Hillsborough disaster "We have been clear that we will work with fans and clubs towards introducing safe standing at football grounds providing there was evidence that installing seating with barriers would have a positive impact on crowd safety," said Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston. Clubs would have to meet certain criteria to get approval, including having "the necessary infrastructure" in both home and away areas of their stadium, and allowing fans to sit or stand in the standing areas with the seats not locked in the "up" or "down" position. Premier League clubs Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers have had rail seating installed at their grounds, allowing them the flexibility to have standing or seated fans in certain areas. "There is a tradition of fans standing at games as it increases choice, improves atmospheres and ensures supporter safety when hosted in properly managed and licensed standing areas," the organisation said in a statement.