The petition calling for safe-standing in the Premier League and the Championship reached a milestone on Wednesday as it moved past the 100,000-signature mark, meaning Parliament would consider the idea for a debate.
Research conducted by polling firm Populus over the last 16 months indicated that a clear majority of fans want to have the option to stand during a game, and the results of the survey were discussed during a recent Premier League shareholders’ meeting in London.
English top-flight clubs have not yet reached a joint position on whether they should back calls for the Government to drop the all-seater rule for the top two divisions, which has been in place since the 1989 Hillsborough disaster.
Last week out-going Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said he would give “100 per cent backing” to standing as long as all safety concerns were met.
Their north London neighbours Tottenham have confirmed their new stadium – set to open for the start of next season – would be ready to be converted should the opportunity arise.
Crystal Palace have added their support alongside Brentford and QPR.
? We’re supporting the petition for safe standing.
#QPR fans can sign it here: https://t.co/QGkhdTydd1 pic.twitter.com/ssKn29msYY— QPR FC (@QPRFC) April 24, 2018
With the e-petition passing the 100,000-signature trigger for a possible debate in the House of Commons, Wolves managing director Laurie Dalrymple said the newly-promoted club would be open to trialling rail seating at Molineux – similar to that used by Celtic.
Widely used in Germany, rail seats can be flipped up and locked in place to provide a safe space to stand, while still assigning each fan a designated spot.
Sports Minister Tracey Crouch said: “Over a million people watch football every week and I am grateful for the engagement of fans from across the country in expressing their views on this issue.
“This will now give me the opportunity to discuss at length the nuances and complexities of sports ground safety in Parliament, if and when the Petitions Committee agree to it being debated.”