Safe standing areas are commonplace in football grounds on mainland Europe but are banned in the top leagues in the UK .Bringing back an element of standing could improve the atmosphere and actually bring more revenue to clubs like Cardiff City.German clubs, for instance, use a number of different configurations, enabling quick switching of designated standing areas into seated sections. Come and see for yourself!
Jon Darch from the Football Supporters’ Federation will talk us through the benefits and will show us the kind of seats which would enable safe standing at grounds.
Trust Chairman Tim Hartley said: “A lot of us remember standing packed like sardines in the old Grange End and the deafening noise that reverberated around Ninian Park. They were great times, but the game has moved on and we now have all-seater stadiums.
“Some say we have lost the magic that went with standing shoulder to shoulder in the ground. Safety must, of course, be our first consideration, but there are clubs on mainland Europe which have succeeded in keeping the noise and camaraderie of the traditional terrace while maintaining a safe environment.
“The Supporters’ Trust does not have any view on so called ‘safe standing’ but we want Cardiff fans to judge for themselves. That’s why we are glad to be able to welcome Jon Darch from the Football Supporters’ Federation to Cardiff to show us the kind of ‘standing’ seats they have in Germany and Holland. We welcome all City fans to come and see the seating and decide for themselves.”
You can visit the Safe Standing website at http://www.safestandingroadshow.co.uk