Manchester United to trial ‘safe-standing’ for some fans at Old Trafford
Written by News on 29/04/2020
Manchester United have been given permission to trial “safe-standing” for some fans at Old Trafford.
The club will now install 1,500 barrier seats in one part of the stadium to allow a small section of fans to either sit or stand while they watch matches.
The trial will take place in the north east corner of Old Trafford to ensure that fans in adjacent sections do not have their views blocked by fans choosing to stand.
They hope to install the new style of seating before crowds are welcomed back inside sporting venues once COVID-19 restrictions are eased.
The club’s managing director Richard Arnold said: “It should be stated, up front, that our overwhelming priority is to keep our people safe from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It may seem strange to talk about stadium plans at this time, but football and our fans will return when it is safe, and our preparations for that must continue in the background.
“Our belief is that the introduction of barrier seats will enhance spectator safety in areas of the stadium where – as with other clubs – we have seen examples of persistent standing.
“If the trial is successful, we may consider further implementation of barrier seating in other parts of the stadium.”
Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers FC already have seats with safety barriers at their stadium.
The Hillsborough disaster in 1989, in which 96 Liverpool fans lost their lives at an FA Cup semi-final, prompted a comprehensive review of safety at football grounds and led to the introduction of all-seater stadiums.
In recent years though, growing numbers of fans at British clubs have pointed to the success of barrier seating in other leagues, notably the Bundesliga in Germany, as one reason to look again at allowing safer standing which many argue creates a better atmosphere inside grounds.
Trafford Council approved the Old Trafford trial after the club and supporters groups worked together on the plan.
The Manchester United Supporters Trust said in a statement: “We are delighted that the club has been given the green light to proceed with barrier seating trial at Old Trafford.”
The Premier League football season is currently on hold during coronavirus lockdown measures.
Sky News understands it could return within weeks with matches played behind closed doors.
(c) Sky News 2020: Manchester United to trial ‘safe-standing’ for some fans at Old Trafford
