By Zack Wilson
22 Apr 2010
As the build-up to the General Election continues, Don Foster, the Liberal Democrat spokesman for culture, media and sport, has revealed that the party would look at reintroducing safe standing areas to English stadia 21 years after the Hillsborough disaster seemed to signal the end of an era.
The Lib Dems would investigate an issue they admit is sensitive, but many football fans would see it as a popular move, with many perceiving all-seater stadia as atmospherically sterile and over-priced venues.
"The Liberal Democrats are committed to exploring options for introducing safe standing at football grounds in consultation with fans, clubs and safety experts, and have passed a motion at our party conference to this effect," Foster told The Independent.
"The evidence from countries like Germany shows that safe standing can operate effectively and safely to give fans more choice about how they enjoy the game.
"This is a sensitive issue. But we cannot ignore the large numbers of fans who want to stand."
Standing was not seen as intrinsically at fault for the Hillsborough disaster, rather the design of the stadium, poor sign posting and policing errors were to blame for 96 people losing their lives.
Standing is still popular at many grounds in Germany and Austria, whilst the Colorado Rapids, owned by Arsenal shareholder Stan Kroenke, are the first team in a major American sports league to open a specific standing area for 2,500 people at the Dick's Sporting Goods Park stadium.
The Football Supporters Federation (FSF), a group with 176,000 members, has campaigned for the return of terracing at English grounds for years.
"Standing isn't a nostalgic 20th century throwback. It's the future," Steve Powell, FSF director of policy, said.
"Look at Germany, Austria, the US and Canada. It's a choice that fans want, including those who prefer to sit. It's safe and it's inclusive. To maintain the ban in the face of the evidence is illogical, arrogant and perverse."
Gerry Sutcliffe, the current Labour minister for sport and tourism, insisted that there were no current plans to reintroduce terracing.
"There have been dramatic improvements in safety and Germany is a case in point but the practicalities of re-profiling new stadiums plus the cost would be a huge issue," he said.
"It would need a dramatic shift in football authority opinion backed by clear evidence before government would look at supporting any change to existing policy."
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