More calls for terracing

Wednesday, 25 March 09, 05:16 PM · Comments (0)

The Dunfermline Supporters Trust has launched an appeal in support of bringing "safe standing" areas to Scottish (and possibly all of British) football.

As Tom Dunmore discussed, we're approaching twenty years since the Hillsborough Disaster claimed the lives of 96 fans during an FA Cup semifinal pitting Liverpool against Nottingham Forest.

There are many arguments for a return to standing areas, chief among them are atmosphere and cost. Indeed, all-seater stadiums have priced many working class fans out of the game and furthermore, many clubs out of competition as they simply can't afford to build new stands. This played a large role in the demise of Gretna FC. Unable to play at home due to stadium regulations Gretna found themselves without access to their most valuable asset, tiny Raydale Park. Despite plans to refurbish the ground prices from traveling to every match eventually took a great toll on Gretna and the club folded last June.

The main argument against standing is safety. While this is still a legitimate argument many will point to the success of "safe standing" areas found throughout Germany.

It will be interesting to keep an eye on this issue as it has been, and will surely continue to be a strong point of contention.

Like this blog? Help spread the word: