Why Football Fans Need Safe Standing

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very off topic but there's no real thread for it

the russian world cup will be absolutely fine
far too much bad media on russia being some hellhole

any english fans will be safe

the russian police have already being cracking down on russian hooligans
and when it comes to the world cup, there won't be even one inkling of football violence

the russian police don't **** about and this is their chance to show what a great country they are
it's a propaganda month for the whole country

russian hooligans will do nothing, plus the russian 'hooligan' element is absolutely tiny

moscow is one of the most fabulous cities in europe, enjoy it

then again, i am off to moscow next week :1980_boogie_down:
 
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This is a bit of a surprise, it's the first time the Football Safety Officers Association has made a statement of this type...

FSOA statement re decision to reject safe-standing trial at West Bromwich Albion:

“The all-seater policy for football grounds in England and Wales was developed over 25 years ago and the landscape of football ground safety has changed beyond recognition in that time.

“The issue of supporters persistently standing in seating areas is one that affects all-seater football stadia up and down the country and threatens to compromise the safety of thousands of fans every match day.

“Something must be done to tackle this issue, and the introduction of an alternative such as ‘rail seating’ or other systems currently being developed to enhance safety should not be ignored.

“West Bromwich Albion’s bid to trial a safe-standing section in the Smethwick End was submitted after lengthy research across Europe and also at Celtic, where similar systems are already working successfully. The pilot would have provided the perfect opportunity to gather much-needed data and feedback with the view of possibly introducing similar systems at grounds across England and Wales in future.

“Safety Officers and Club Directors across the country are subject to legislative requirements but this is one legislation that should be given careful consideration. However we move forward in future, the safety of spectators must always remain paramount but it seems that as we strive to improve standards of safety already achieved at our grounds, the Government is then choosing to ignore what may prove to be a safer alternative to standing in seated areas.

“It is disappointing that the rejection of West Bromwich Albion’s bid means the club will not be able to explore this option of safe-standing to enable positive change and enhance match day safety at all grounds going forward.”
 
It's madness that standing in an all seated stadium is tolerated, where everyone has a plastic seat back at approximately knee height and there are no surge barriers but won't have a test on a system that is already in use in other countries and provides a chest height (approx) barrier for every supporter. I am amazed that there has not been a major incident due to standing in a seated terrace.

How can this
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Be better than this
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Bizarre comment.
My point is thus, so bear with me.
The change from all seater to standing, whether safe or not, will IMHO incur an increased insurance cost, because of the increased possibility of injury to fans.
The increase might be large, it may be small, ( I would guess the former) If the increase is not covered by the increase in revenue then I would guess that many clubs would shy away from the idea.

PS..I could be wrong. Its been known...