The Football Association has given its backing to safe standing at football grounds in the Premier League and the Championship.
This week the Football Association have backed the implementation of safe standing at stadia throughout the country. This statement came as part of the of the government review, which is continuing with a decision likely to be made by the end of 2018.
Level Playing Field is fully aware of the support and desire for Safe Standing. As an organisation we want to ensure that disabled supporters’ voices are heard and that their match day experience is not compromised.
Chief Executive for Level Playing Field, Owain Davies said
“Our view is that any changes made should be inclusive and not have a detrimental effect on disabled spectators, such as wheelchair users and those using easy access seats and any changes should be done in consultation with the fans. A common theme experienced by disabled fans is poor sightlines and we certainly want to make sure that with the potential implementation of safe standing it doesn’t further impact this.
There is also the need to offer choice, so that if a disabled fan wishes to watch the game from the safe standing area, the option to do so should be available.
The bottom line is that we want legislators, clubs, and stadia operators to take into account disabled fans and how they wish to experience their matchday by providing guarantees that safe standing won’t impact sightlines and that the option to be included in these areas are accounted for.”
We would like to hear from more disabled supporters regarding their opinions about Safe Standing so please get in touch with one of the team at info@levelplayingfield.org.uk or on 01923 545 370.
On Monday 25th June 2018 at 4.30pm Parliament debated “Safe Standing” in Football. You can read the full debate on Parliament’s Hansard website here.
31/08/2018
The Football Association has given its backing to safe standing at football grounds in the Premier League and the Championship.