A trial to allow standing by Liverpool FC fans at matches at Anfield is to be extended to a larger area of the Kop. Tony McDonough reports
Liverpool FC says it will expand its provision of rail seating at Anfield, first introduced in August 2021, that allows standing at certain points during matches.
Following the Hillsborough disaster in 1989, which cost the lives of 97 people, and the subsequent Taylor Report, English football moved away from terracing and introduced all-seater stadiums.
However, while many fans acknowledged greater emphasis on safety, others bemoaned the perceived change in atmosphere in all-seater arenas. And in recent years this has led to fans at a number of clubs standing up in defiance of the stay-seated rule.
This became an increasing phenomenon at grounds such as Anfield and it led to calls for the introduction of so-called ‘safe standing’ areas. This year the Government added flexibility to stadium safety licences to allow these to go ahead.
In August 2021 Liverpool introduced a rail seating trial which included 7,800 seats on the Kop and across the lower tier of the Anfield Road stand.
This allows fans to stand safely at key moments in the game, such as goal celebrations. However, supporters must remain seated at other times during matches and the club stresses that these are not classed as safe standing areas.
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In consultation with the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) Liverpool FC will now install an additional 2,500 rail seats in the Kop stand. They are normal stadium seats with an integrated safety rail behind them to avoid a crowd collapse.
This expansion will be across blocks 202-306, rows 61-49 on the Kop. It will take the total rail seats on the Kop to 4,300. Work will commence imminently and will take approximately five weeks to install.
Season ticket holders whose seats are impacted by these changes will be contacted in due course to explain the changes and how this will impact them.
The SGSA’s regulatory focus is on reducing persistent standing risks in stadiums and avoiding potential crowd collapses. The report has evidenced that safety rails increase safety within all-seater stadiums.
It considers it important to maintain momentum on managing the identified persistent standing risks at stadiums.
Liverpool FC has consulted the Supporters Board, in line with our agreed fan-engagement framework. It provided positive feedback on the initial phase of the pilot. The expansion of railed seating will be reviewed again at the end of the season.
Andy Hughes, managing director at Liverpool FC, said: “Following a review of the initial rail seating trial last season, we will now expand the trial and introduce rail seating in additional areas of the Kop to further address crowd safety and persistent standing in line with SGSA guidance.
“The health and safety of our supporters when attending matches at Anfield is paramount. As we have said before, it is essential that we listen to the experts and deliver their recommendations to address this important safety issue.”