Ross County FC cited in MP's 'safe standing' football stadium plea
PLANS to re-introduce standing areas for fans at football clubs such as Ross County have been backed by the local MP.
The introduction of all-seater stadiums was largely driven by safety considerations but has increasingly been challenged in the UK following the success of so-called "safe standing" in many other sporting arenas.
Ross MP Charles Kennedy today threw his weight behind the idea and cited Ross County's track record in the past, when terracing was included in the stadium set-up, as an example of how it can work successfully.
Under newly announced manifesto plans, football clubs across England and Wales would be allowed to work with their supporters to introduce standing areas.
Safe standing already operates in domestic leagues across Europe, including Germany, Austria and Sweden and is backed by more than 90 per cent of football fans.
Research indicates some 70 per cent of UK football clubs support safe standing with many fans insistingstanding makes for a better atmosphere.
Introducing safe standing would also cut the price of going to watch a football match, supporters of the scheme say.
In Scotland, the Scottish Football Association gave the green light to safe-standing in December 2011.
At the Global Energy Stadium in Dingwall, Ross County's most vocal supporters traditionally gathered in the Jail End stand. Many fans have subsequently rued the loss of atmopshere resulting from the all-seater scenario.
However Celtic FC had their application rejected this month by Glasgow City Council.
Confusion has arisen as the Safety Advisory Group, chaired by Glasgow City Council, stated safe-standing matters may be a matter for the Scottish Government while yet Celtic FC have previously been told by the Scottish Government that this is a decision which must be taken by local authorities.
Mr Kennedy said: “The Liberal Democrats believe football clubs should be allowed to introduce safe standing areas where there is a desire to do so. Safe standing is allowed in many other sports and we do not believe that the top level of football should be an exception.
"We are not calling for a return of the terraces of the 1980s. In my own constituency, Ross County FC, previous to an all-seater upgrade, has had a track record of safe use of standing in high capacity games. These new proposals for modern safe standing areas now use ‘rail seating’ and operate very successfully in top tier football across Europe.
"Safe standing offers supporters more choice, a better atmosphere and cheaper tickets. It is no surprise that 92 per cent of supporters and 70 per cent of clubs in the UK want to see safe-standing.
"When clubs and fans are in favour of safe standing and it can be done safely, then the Government shouldn't get in the way."
Added the MP: "This is an idea whose time has come and I am more than happy to support clubs, like Ross County FC in my constituency, who have indicated their preference to move introduce safe-standing."
Ross County has given its qualified backing for the idea, depending on the support voiced by fans and the costs of making any modifications within the ground.
Chairman Roy MacGregor has previously said: "I am keen to bring standing areas back at Ross County, with the Jail End the first place to do it, whatever it may entail. There has definitely been a movement in our support towards standing. Football grounds should not be quiet places, we want supporters to sing, build an atmosphere and enjoy themselves."
What's your view? Has Victoria Park lost some of its sparkle following the introduction of an all-seater stadium? Or do you like things as they are? Share your views here or drop us a line @editor@rsjournal.co.uk