A Norwich supporter tells Stand Up Sit Down of positive experience with Leicester City stewards at their game on 31 st December:

In the first few minutes of the match the stewards came up the steps asking people who weren't already sat down to sit. Most did but then the back few rows stood again as the steward walked back down the steps. Not wanting to cause confrontation the stewards just left it. But in the second half he came up the steps by me again and asked the lads in the back few rows to make sure they kept the aisles clear as some of them had drifted over. Rather than getting people to sit the steward shouted at people further along the row to move along so everyone could fit in and then disappeared again, keeping the aisle clear for safety but still allowing supporters to stand.'

Many Middlesboro supporters stand in the upper tier at St James Park, with no attempts to get them to sit. Supporters say they can't understand why Newcastle allow them to stand in this very high tier, yet they get so much hassle from stewards for standing in far less steep areas at The Riverside.

Most of Brighton's support and a section of Southampton supporters stand for the whole match at St Mary's. A physical confrontation with a steward takes place when he tries to get fans to sit.

Brighton 's disabled supporters have their view blocked by standing supporters.

Stand Up Sit Down fail to understand why disabled areas are sited so that those in wheelchairs cannot see when others stand. Even if they don't stand persistently, they will do so at moments of excitement, and block views at the most important times of the game.

The entire Bobby Moore Lower Tier and Centenary Lower tier (home and away fans) stand throughout West Ham v Chelsea at Upton Park. At regular intervals the increased number of stewards wave at supporters to sit, but as usual are ignored by everyone.

Stand Up Sit Down are sent a copy of an email to a supporter from John Handley, Safety Officer at Villa Park . Mr Handley says:

‘I would consider that the issue of standing at football stadiums has generated more correspondence and debate than any other topic relating to spectator comfort, safety and expectations. I do not know if Lord Justice Taylor anticipated this level of controversy when his report into the Hillsborough Stadium disaster recommended the introduction of all seated stadiums, but in my opinion he certainly exhibited great foresight in the force and clarity of his advice, and I am convinced that football stadiums are now safer than they have ever been, due largely to the fact that persons are required to remain seated, and are allocated a specific seat. This opinion is universally held by those involved with the operation and regulation of sports stadiums, and the provision all seated football stadiums within the Premier league is requirement, not a matter of choice.'

Stand Up Sit Down would comment that the fact that standing creates such debate shows that supporters are not happy with the current situation. Something which has been confirmed by various polls. We would point out that whilst stadia in the top two divisions are all seated, and everyone is allocated a seat, many still stand, yet the grounds remain safe. We take issue with the statement that this opinion (all seater) is universally held by those involved in the operation and regulation of sports stadiums. We are aware of many football clubs and safety officers who are not opposed to standing, and of course standing areas are still permitted in the lower divisions, plus non football stadia.

Mr Handley adds:

‘As a safety officer I am required to take whatever actions are necessary and reasonable to ensure that spectators comply with the conditions by which our safety certificate, the document that permits spectators to be admitted to Villa Park, is issued. One of these conditions is that spectators may not persistently stand. If I fail to take these actions, or if spectators continue to ignore the regulations and requests made of them, then there exists the very real possibility that areas of the ground where people persistently stand may be closed, and the seating removed.'

Stand Up Sit Down would ask why Villa Park is under threat of closure of parts of the ground, whilst at many grounds supporters stand every week, with no apparent action taken to stop them.

Mr Handley also says:

‘I really have no intention of contributing to a debate on the subject of 'football fan culture', save to observe that if that culture is so selfish that it only admits what is acceptable to the fans and denies the right of clubs and councils to make stadiums safer, then it is an essentially flawed culture. I hope that you will consider your future actions in the light of what I have written, and act in a more responsible fashion. I am sure that you can support the team with equal passion and volume without having to stand throughout the match.'

Stand Up Sit Down would comment that whatever certain people would like to think, passion and standing remain an important part of football for many supporters, as shown by the numbers standing each week, and support for campaigns such as ours. We have seen no evidence that standing in many areas causes a safety risk, or that clubs are willing or able to ‘educate' supporters to the ‘risks' of standing. We would point out that supporters are customers, without whom there would be no game, and that they should be allowed freedom to choose whether they sit or stand. To say that one can support with equal passion when seated shows a lack of understanding of football supporters, and indeed people in general. It is natural to stand to sing, whether at football, concerts or church.

One of the organisers of Wycombe's Safe Standing day contacts Stand Up Sit Down to say:

‘ Just to let you know Safe Standing day at Wycombe Wanderers a big success. Average terrace attendance of 1050 was pushed over 1400 – even though it was freezing cold and on Sky. Wycombe director Steve Hayes said he enjoyed the experience of standing and will do as much as possible in future and fully supports safe standing. He will do all in his power to enable Wycombe Wanderers to retain the terracing as long as possible.'

Leyton Orient Fans' Trust tell Stand Up Sit Down that:

‘We fully support the concept of safe standing at football grounds.'

Widespread standing in seated areas is noted across the country as FA Cup 3 rd round matches take place.

Permission is granted for Spartans to play their Scottish FA tie with St Mirren at their home ground, with 3000 standing on grass banks.

Swansea supporters complain to Stand Up Sit Down about stewards continually telling them to sit in their new stadium. Many supporters were used to standing and do not like the new all seated stadium.

As 4,000 West Ham fans stand well behaved throughout their match at Villa Park , two home supporters in an executive box are ejected for abusive behaviour. Further evidence that behaviour is not related to standing or sitting.

The Police object to Spartans playing the Scottish Cup fixture at City Park , putting doubt over whether it can be played at Spartan's ground. Supporters launch a petition asking for the game to be played at City Park .

Stand Up Sit Down are told that the NEC website for booking concerts has a message telling people buying seated tickets that people WILL stand for the duration of the concert and to take this into consideration when purchasing tickets.   This is yet another example of the unexplained difference between concerts and football, and further evidence that safety cannot be the real reason why the Government will not permit standing in the top divisions of football.

Stand Up Sit Down receive information that a major clamp down on standing is planned when Arsenal move to their new stadium next season.

A member of Millwall's supporters trust tells Stand Up Sit Down that their supporters have been allowed to stand at the last four away games, with no hassle from stewards or police.

Stewards and police eject Newcastle supporters for standing on Level 7 of the Leazes at St James Park. Supporters complain that stewards were unnecessarily aggressive which wound up the crowd.

We are told that FC United achieved a larger attendance (approx 4500) on their first game this year, than those at 8 Football League games.

Stand Up Sit Down are aware that many of their supporters have transferred their allegiance from Man Utd, not just because of the Glazer take over but because they simply don't like the atmosphere at Old Trafford and being made to sit.

The Daily Telegraph publishes a letter from the ex FA Chief Graham Kelly with regard to standing & behaviour at the Oasis concerts at City of Manchester Stadium last summer. One section of the letter says:

‘At the Oasis concerts held in the City of Manchester Stadium during the summer of 2005, fans were standing and dancing throughout the three events in all parts of the venue (including the steep third levels) with the apparent approval of the very same authorities who demand that football supporters remain seated during football games, even in the lower tier.'

It concludes with:

‘Neither the Culture Secretary nor the Minister for Sport has had the courtesy to reply to the Football Supporters Federation, who want fans to be allowed the choice to stand in controlled, safe areas. They understand fully the reality of post-Taylor Report football, but hoped that, now the effects of Sky-high prices are impacting on Premiership attendances, at least the Government would have replied to letters and entered a debate.'

West Ham give out leaflets to supporters with regard to persistent standing prior to their match v Fulham.

The leaflet says:

‘This season at Upton Park there has been a significant increase in the number of spectators persistently standing throughout the match. This is particularly prevalent in the lower tier of the Bobby Moore stand ---. Elsewhere in the stadium there are smaller groups who also persistently stand.'

The leaflets goes on to say that persistent standing is considered unsafe by the FLA and that the club is required to take action to prevent it. It says that the FLA inspector will be monitoring developments and that the club are now able to monitor persistent offenders and speak to them before ‘taking their seats'.

The leaflets have absolutely no effect, with the entire Bobby Moore Lower, entire West Ham section of the Centenary Lower, the Dr Martins lower corner, and both ends of the East Lower, standing throughout the game.

If the club wish to speak to persistent offenders before the next match, they will be talking to at least 6,000 fans.

Stand Up Sit Down receive a reply from FLA Chief Executive John de Quidt to our email raising various points about standing following observations at Portsmouth FC on Boxing Day.

Summary of our questions & Mr. de Quidt's replies, plus our comments on these, is as follows:

1. At our meeting earlier this year you told us that the FLA consider that standing in seated areas is more dangerous than would be purpose built ‘safe standing' areas. Given that the design of the Intercash Stand means that supporters will tend to stand in front of their seats, would you therefore agree that the fitting of seats has made this area less safe than it would have been had the terrace been retained, but the capacity simply cut to the current level?.

Mr de Quidt said:

‘No. There is no automatic correlation between the condition of the seating deck and standing by supporters.'

Stand Up Sit Down would agree that there is no automatic correlation, but we believe that supporters are more likely to stand if the seats are uncomfortable or give a poor view.

2. Given the obvious problems please can you tell us why the FLA have been willing to grant Portsmouth FC a licence for this area of Fratton Park ?

Mr de Quidt said:

‘The licence relates to the type of accommodation provided.  Its safety is covered by the safety certificate issued by the local authority.'

Stand Up Sit Down are aware that the safety Certificate is issued by the local authority and that this specific question should therefore have been directed to them.

3. If standing in seated lower tiers really is the serious safety risk which the FLA claim, please can you explain why there are such differences in the amount of effort made to try to stop it happening at different grounds across the country?

Mr de Quidt said:

‘The action taken on the day will be determined in the light of a risk assessment.  This will take into account a variety of factors, including the design of the area, the anticipated behaviour of the supporters occupying it and whether the risk of intervention will outweigh the risk of leaving supporters to stand.  In some cases, it may be safer to limit the capacity (for instance by taking the front row and / or the seats on either side of the gangway out of use).  Different considerations will also apply to home areas, where the same supporters come week by week, and areas for visitors who may come only once a year.'

Stand Up Sit Down are aware of many occasions where there is no reduction in capacity , but no efforts are made to get supporters to sit. Our members have reported wide variations in the degree of intervention by stewards at different grounds. We have observed many instances when there would clearly be no safety risk from stewards asking supports to sit, yet they choose not to. Does this not suggest that the safety risk from standing must be viewed as very small?

4. However, although many supporters still stand, and wish to do so without having to break ground regulations, their behaviour is now totally different. They are more safety aware and more considerate. Please can you advise whether the FLA still consider that allowing standing areas would lead to a deterioration in the behaviour of supporters?

Mr de Quidt replied:

‘I fully accept that most supporters who stand do not deliberately cause trouble.  However, we still have cases of surging, blocked gangways, migration and entry without tickets.  Regulation, almost by definition, is aimed at the minority who misbehave rather than at the majority.'

Stand Up Sit Down are pleased to hear that the FLA accept that most supporters who stand do not deliberately cause trouble. We believe that instances of the problems they state are rare and that if supporters knew that self regulation would allow them to keep the privilege of standing, they would be further reduced.

5.Do you believe that supporters views as to what they consider safe should be taken into account in determining policy with regard to standing areas?

Mr de Quidt replied:

‘Perceptions of risk and the actual level of risk do not always coincide.  They may be either higher or lower.'

Stand Up Sit Down consider that if most supporters considered standing to be unsafe, they would not be doing so in such large numbers, and would be supporting efforts to stop standing, not organisations who seek to achieve well managed safe standing areas.

6. Given that currently everyone stands and no efforts are made to stop this, our proposal would at least reduce the number standing and have customer care benefits for all. We appreciate that this is not possible to be officially sanctioned under current regulations, but it is a role of the FLA to advise the Government (not simply to quote current legislation). Please can you explain what objection you would have to an area such as the Intercash Stand, where everyone currently stands, being split into official standing and seated sections?

Mr. de Quidt said:

‘ The Minister for Sport has recently considered your application and has told you that the government will not change its policy on this issue.  The FLA exists above all to enforce the government's legislation.  It is not our role to lobby the government on behalf of particular interest groups.  I have already explained at length why we do not support your case.'

Stand Up Sit Down appreciate that the FLA have spent a considerable amount of time considering our case, however the problem of uncontrolled standing remains, and supporters

Labour MP and ex Sports Minister Kate Hoey expresses her support for standing in her article in the Daily Telegraph:

Quotes from the article, the full text of which can be read on http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2006/01/24/sfnhoe24.xml, are as follows:

‘--- the football authorities are very good at stifling debate on issues they want to ignore. Equally dismaying has been their refusal to respond to the revealing report of the Football Supporters' Federation (FSF) into the safety of spectators at music events held within football stadiums. This report, written by Phil Gatenby, a Manchester City supporter and a national committee member of the FSF, highlights the inconsistencies surrounding stadium regulations within football grounds and the different events held within them.'

‘Despite Taylor suggesting that fans would get used to sitting, during the past 10 years the numbers standing in front of their seats is growing and shows no sign of reducing.'

‘Over the last year the FSF have been working with a campaign called Stand Up Sit Down to seek to find a sensible solution to fans standing in seated areas.'

‘Since the Taylor Report was produced in 1990, new technology has allowed for safe standing areas in Germany, Denmark and Holland but despite endless campaigning and increasing support from within football, the Government, the Football Licensing Authority (FLA) and the Premier League refuse to have a full, transparent public debate on the issue. If it is just about safety why, when they are hosting rock concerts, do the same stadiums have every single person standing, not just in the lowest tier but even in the steepest third tier?'

‘As the report points out, the FLA can not have it both ways. How can they justify an individual at a football match being ejected for persistently standing at a lower level in Manchester City's stadium, when the same individual can attend an Oasis concert in the same stadium, persistently stand, dance in every part of the stadium, including the steepest bits - and have no action taken against them? Why should football fans be subject to customer care issues "in consideration of others" but not music fans. If customer care matters so much to the authorities, why is nothing done about the disgraceful way away fans are treated as they arrive and leave matches and why is safe standing not being considered? ‘

‘The truth is that the FA only pay lip service to their most important asset - the supporter.'

Stand Up Sit Down reply to FLA Chief Executive John de Quidt, pointing out that despite all efforts by the authorities tens of thousands of supporters continue to stand in seated areas every week and asking:

‘Given that the FLA believes that the potential safety risk from standing in seated areas varies according to the ground design (e.g. Slope, upper / lower tier), that the FLA considers ‘terraces' to be safer than standing in seated areas, and that the various authorities have now been trying to stop persistent standing for some years, at what point will you advise the Government that it is not realistic to expect supporters to remain seated, and therefore that the safest solution would be to allow designated managed standing areas (either seated or terrace)?'