Safe standing to return on January 2nd with Cardiff City one of the trial clubs

At long last the safe standing trials will return to football from 2nd January with the first match being Chelsea v Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on that date.

Five clubs – including Cardiff City – will be included in the trial with Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham also taking part.

Standing at football grounds in the top two divisions was outlawed as one of the recommendations of the Taylor report following the Hillsbrough disaster in 1989 although there have been renewed calls for safe standing for many years.

“I’m pleased to approve these five clubs as early adopters of licensed safe standing areas for the second half of the season,” said sports minister Nigel Huddleston.

“The time is now right to properly trial safe standing in the Premier League and EFL Championship ahead of a decision on a widespread roll-out.

“Safety is absolutely paramount and the SGSA [Sports Grounds Safety Authority] is working hand-in-glove with the clubs on this.

“Fans deserve different options on how they can enjoy a live match and I will be watching the progress of these trials with interest.”

Clubs had to meet the following criteria before their application for standing areas was approved:

• Seats with barriers/independent barriers – which must be in both home and away sections – had to be in place before 1 January 2022.
• The seats cannot be locked in the ‘up’ or ‘down’ position, allowing fans the option of being able to sit (for example, during breaks in play).
• 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.

Cardiff City CEO & Executive Director Ken Choo said: “I’m delighted that Cardiff City Stadium is part of this initiative and that our club is at the forefront of helping to improve the British football fan experience in a safe and evaluated manner.”

Independent expert Dr Steve Frosdick has been advocating safe standing since 2008 and has worked with Cardiff City Stadium since 2013. He added: “Cardiff City has been in the vanguard of safe standing over many years and today’s announcement is testament to the stadium’s tireless work. It’s all about customer service. The choice to stand with the highest levels of safety for those who want to. Sitting comfortably with clear views for everyone else.”