Safe Standing Set For Premier League and Championship Return

Safe Standing will be allowed at Premier League and Championship games from the start of the 2022/23 season.

The news comes after the government confirmed clubs will be allowed to introduce Safe Standing areas at their stadiums; joining Cardiff City, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in offering licensed safe standing areas for home and away fans.

Brentford, QPR and Wolverhampton Wanderers are expected to join the five clubs who took part in the trial in the second half of last season.

Wembley Stadium will also offer a small safe standing area for fans at domestic matches later in the season.

The move will allow safe standing across England’s top two leagues for the first time in nearly 30 years after the five clubs in the trial pioneered a new approach to offering fans the opportunity to stand in certain areas of the stadium.

The grounds were initially selected following an application process, open to all grounds covered by the all-seater policy, led by the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA).

The SGSA took a careful, evidence-based approach to the historic change, informed by consultation with stakeholders and safety experts.

Early adopter criteria

– Grounds selected to be early adopters of licensed standing had to meet certain criteria. This has 16 points, covering issues such as:

– The necessary infrastructure – such as seats with barriers/independent barriers – which must be in both home and away sections

– Fans must be able to sit or stand in the licensed areas – the seats cannot be locked in the ‘up’ or ‘down’ position.

– There must also be one seat/space per person.

– The licensed standing areas must not impact the viewing standards or other fans, including disabled fans.

– There must be a Code of Conduct in place for fans in the licensed standing area.

– Briefing and training must be in place for staff and stewards to ensure only relevant ticketholders are admitted to the licensed standing areas.

– CCTV must be in place and offer full coverage of the licensed standing areas.

– The ground must consult with its Safety Advisory Group about plans for the licensed standing areas.

Commenting on the news, SGSA Chief Executive, Martyn Henderson OBE said: “We welcome the controlled return of standing for the modern era, which has been made possible by a very close collaboration with the Government.  

‘This is an historic moment for football – and, most importantly, for the fans who have campaigned for this change and will be safer as a result of today’s decision.”

IMAGO / Sports Press Photo