Premier League, EFL and government holds talks over potential safe-standing review

By Sky Sports News

Image: Safe standing has been in effect at Celtic Park for over a year.

Government officials have spoken with the Premier League and EFL about reviewing the law on all-seater stadiums and introducing safe standing.

Standing in English football's top two divisions was outlawed by the Football Spectators' Act in 1989, following recommendations by the Taylor Report into the Hillsborough disaster.

However, more than 100,000 people have now signed a petition calling for safe standing to be allowed in the Premier League and Championship - and the issue will be debated in Parliament on June 25.

A DCMS spokesperson said: "Over a million people watch football every week and we are grateful for the engagement of fans from across the country in expressing their views on this issue.

"The Sports Minister looks forward to discussing at length the nuances and complexities of sports ground safety in Parliament later this month."

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Image: Rail seats allow sections of a stadium to switch between standing and seating.

Celtic have successfully introduced a safe standing area in recent years, while Sky Bet League One side Shrewsbury Town have recently been given permission to add 'rail seats' to their stadium.

Minister for Sport Tracey Crouch recently rejected a proposal from Premier League side West Brom to introduce a safe standing at The Hawthorns,however, with the Minister claiming the change was only wanted by a 'vocal minority'.

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