Hillsborough families refuse to support ‘safe-standing’ survey findings

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The Hillsborough families have refused to support the idea of safe-standing following a new survey saying nine out of 10 fans want it to return to stadiums.

Just three per cent asked said they would reject a return of standing, a practice outlawed in 1994 in the wake of the Hillsborough disaster, at British football grounds.

Backed by the Football Supporters Federation, a survey conducted by In Your Voice found that 96 per cent of fans were in favour, though it must be said only 2,364 were quizzed.

Following the findings some members of the Hillsborough Family Support Group were asked about and flatly rejected the idea.

“The Hillsborough Family Support Group is firmly against safe standing,” said Pat Joynes, whose son Nicholas died in 1989 aged 27, to the Daily Mirror.

“We fought for all-seater stadiums, so they should stay. Fans stand up anyway when something exciting happens, so they don’t stay sitting all the time.”

However, Stephen Kelly, whose brother Michael was a victim at Hillsborough, said: “The Hillsborough Justice Campaign are against safe standing. Personally, I’m torn between the two. A lot of fans stand up anyway, so perhaps we need to look at it.”

The issue is always set to be a contentious one among fans, particularly with the rising costs of football and many seeing the introduction of non-seated sections as the way to build both atmosphere and reduce ticket costs.

What’s your view; should stadiums follow the findings of the survey and introduce safe standing areas in grounds? Or are the current regulations the only way we can ensure nothing as traumatic as Hillsborough ever happens again?

Justice for the 96.

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