GLF 64: John C reflects on the safe standing debate.
The Out-Standing Issues
I read with interest a couple of articles in the latest issue of GLF about all-seater stadia and standing.I believe this has become an issue at Fir Park, particularly in the East Stand.I commend Malcolm Boyd for his well thought out piece in support of standing at football these days, as he wrote, it's not an issue in Germany as they provide such areas for home and away fans.Unfortunately the example of Hertha is a poor choice as they in fact are all-seater, however all others do provide standing room.When I visit, Schalke have close to 18,000 places available for eleven euros, Bochum have 15,000 for a slightly dearer thirteen euros but both allow you to stand at the game for under ten quid.
I personally prefer to stand when at football, thus I enjoy visiting Germany when possible.When I watch football in Britain I try to go to stadiums where standing is allowed.I watch Pompey in England as their fans stand home and away although they have to pay for a seat.
Unfortunately football has been hijacked by moneymen and held over a barrel by The Taylor Report after events at Hillsborough.The game got stolen away from ordinary fans and stampeded into all-seater grounds following the deaths at the F.A. Cup Semi-Final in Sheffield.
I'd been to Hillsborough several times with Pompey before the tragedy and the narrow passages leading onto the terraces were a disaster waiting to happen.It was busy when Pompey played The Owls so it would be a hundred times worse at the Liverpool v Nottingham Forest tie.So we were told all-seater stadiums were required and we had to provide them.As a result, now those in charge have seen another way to fleece the punters - Spurs now want a scandalous seventy quid at some games.So I'm afraid those making and taking from supporters ain't gonna allow standing areas and see their takings fall - no chance!
The claim that all-seater stadiums are safe environments is also wrong, as witnessed by recent events in Spain when riot police have become involved.I also have personal experience at the CIS Cup Final between Hibs and Killie.In the stand across from the Main Stand which was full of Joan Collins' Leithies, at half-time when I was flogging progs, a severe crush developed at the top of the aisles amongst those going to the toilet and refreshment areas with no room to queue for either.Scotland games are marginally better but only slightly as the amount of alcohol consumed contributes to overcrowding at the toilet areas in this part of the stadium.
As stated, I enjoyed both GLF articles and wish both contributors well in their lobbying to provide standing areas at football.In respect of the changes, clubs want fans to turn up pay the prices for seats, poor quality food and merchandising.An example of rip-off Britain - I could have got this season'sBochum (Nike) top for under fifteen notes and last season's for seven quid.But here it's a case off stump up, sit down and shut up.
John Creighton
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