The Premier League have released a statement after discussions were hold over the potential introduction of safe standing / rail seating at stadiums in England.
Talks took place at a meeting between the league’s 20 clubs on Thursday, with a statement reading:
“Premier League clubs today held initial discussions on safe standing.
“Given that fan safety is of paramount concern clubs are understandably cautious and there was no overall consensus on the matter.
“This is a complex and emotive topic with a number of issues, varying from club to club, which need to be considered carefully before clubs can decide if they wish to pursue any changes, including legislative, that are required to allow them the option of safe standing areas in their grounds.
“The clubs have tasked the Premier League with scoping out the safety, supporter, technical and legislative? issues surrounding safe standing before any further discussions, based on the facts, can take place.”
The Football Association’s chief executive, Martin Glenn said:
“It’s obviously sensitive given Hillsborough.
“There’s a lot we can learn from the way Celtic are doing it. We need to look at what the facts are and then calmly make a decision after that.”
“We’ve got different history [to Germany]. We’ve had Hillsborough, and they haven’t.”
“So I think we have got to tread very carefully because our number one duty is to create a safe environment for fans watching football.
“We’ll work with the whole game to come up with an aligned point of view.”
The Hillsborough Family Support Group oppose the introduction of safe standing, while the Hillsborough Justice Campaign say they “support a full and objective debate on the issue with safety being paramount.”
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