Monday 31 July 2017 13:34, UK
Liverpool fans have voted in favour of introducing safe standing in a vote run by the Spirit of Shankly supporters' union.
Nearly 18,000 supporters took part in the vote - which ran between Saturday, July 22 and Friday, July 28 - with 88 per cent of them returning a vote in favour of the idea.
Families of the 96 Hillsborough victims as well as the survivors of the 1989 disaster were involved in an extensive consultation with the Spirit of Shankly supporters' union.
The Hillsborough disaster sparked the 1990 Taylor Report, which recommended that all major stadiums convert to an all-seater model.
"It's an incredible turnout, we aren't aware of such numbers voting before," Jay McKenna, chair of Spirit of Shankly, said.
"It demonstrates to us that we were right to have this discussion and that supporters, families and survivors want to have their say.
"After nine months of discussion, we have now had the vote and it will be taken as the position for Spirit of Shankly.
"The size of the turnout majority means that no one can be in any doubt that supporters have had their say and made an informed decision."
Scottish Premier League champions Celtic also provided a contribution in the consultation process having introduced safe standing to an area of Celtic Park last summer.
The Spirit of Shankly supporters union have, however, urged caution with those wishing to see rail seating areas introduced and insisted the vote was not a win and should not be overly celebrated.
McKenna added: "The vote is significant and we know people will see this as backing of rail seating. However we say to anyone who is campaigning for this to understand sensitivities and respect the views of those who disagree.
"No one wins here, this has been a mature and sensitive conversation and we have arrived at a position. Those who have been through incredible heartache and tragedy have every right to be heard and to ask important questions about safety.
"It was important in our conversations to have these answered. It would be wise for that to take place elsewhere.
"We've always been clear that this was about rail seating areas in football stadiums and not specifically at Anfield. Any such discussion is for a future point and requires more talking to those involved - supporters, the football club and importantly families and survivors.
"That will inevitably be asked but for now we want to take time to reflect on the vote and allow others to do the same."
