League Clubs consider results of 'standing' consultation
At their meeting at Derby County on Thursday, Football League clubs were presented with the findings of the recent consultation regarding the use of standing accommodation at Football League matches.
A majority of responding clubs answered 'yes' to each of the four questions posed in the consultation, which were:
1. Should The Football League approach the Minister for Sport to request that the 'all-seater' stadia requirements for Championship clubs be reviewed with a view to the re-introduction of standing accommodation?
2. Should the Football League approach the Sports Grounds Safety Authority to request that rail seating products be licenced in Football League grounds?
3. Should clubs be permitted to accommodate supporters standing in rail seating in the Championship?
4. Should clubs be permitted to revert from seating to standing accommodation in League 1 and League 2 following relegation from the Championship?
The Football League will now engage with the relevant authorities and stakeholder organisations regarding these matters. This will be followed by further discussions with clubs.
Its Chief Executive, Shaun Harvey, said: "The consultation has given us a better understanding of the wide range of views held by clubs on this issue and we will take our cue from the prevailing opinion.
"We recognise that this is both a complicated and sensitive matter that will need significant debate. Therefore, no-one should assume that it will lead to overnight change."