Spirit of Shankly (SOS), the Liverpool supporters’ union, has today revealed the results of votes for rail seating to be introduced in English football.
The introduction of safe standing to the current game has been a huge talking point of late, with Celtic successfully bringing it to Parkhead last season, and the Bundesliga using it for years.
Rail seating has been discussed by SOS since November last year, and a closed meeting with Hillsborough survivors and those who lost family members was arranged on July 18.
A public meeting took place four days later and voting then followed.
The results of the week-long vote revealed that 88.21 per cent are in favour of safe standing, with only 5.04 per cent against it. The remaining voters were undecided.
A statement from SOS chairman Jay McKenna reads:
“After nine months of discussion, we have now had the vote and it will be taken as the position for Spirit Of Shankly.
“The size of the turnout and majority means that no-one can be in any doubt that supporters have had their say and made an informed decision.”
“The vote is significant and we know people will see this as backing of rail seating.
“However, we say to anyone who is campaigning for this to understand sensitivities and respect the views of those who disagree.
“No-one wins here. This has been a mature and sensitive conversation and we have arrived at a position. Those who have been through incredible heartache and tragedy have every right to be heard and to ask important questions about safety.”
“We’ve always been clear that this was about rail seating areas in football stadiums and not specifically at Anfield.
“Any such discussion is for a future point and requires more talking to those involved – supporters, the football club and, importantly, families and survivors.
“That will inevitably be asked but for now we want to take time to reflect on the vote and allow others to do the same.”
