Stand Up !: The Hillsborough Disaster

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Stand Up! The controversial topic of safe standing has been talked about since the Hillsborough disaster in 1989. Since the disaster, all top flight football teams had to build seating into every stand in their ground. The ludicrous idea cost smaller clubs thousands of pounds, lowering budgets for transfers, wages and merchandise. The idea safe standing was clearly dismissed by football associations in Britain and across Europe. However a sudden uproar has resulted in a few stadiums in Britain to re-introduce standing at football games. What about changing “a few” into thousands? The situation needs to be addressed immediately, for the safety benefit to any spectators or fans across the world. Surely the associations that run the beautiful …show more content…

Fans are at a huge risk of injury by doing this, to themselves and the stewards at the game. A push or a fall in these over cramped sections would result in serious harm or death. So why are these authorities deluded to think that the seating is a positive aspect for football grounds? Statistics show that seating areas are not safer than all standing areas, meaning the argument that standing causes “hooligan behaviour” or an “unsafe environment” is completely not proven, invalid and irrelevant. FSF (Football Supporters Federation) carried out a survey in 2009. The results state “Three out of every four fans who prefer to stand at games have been told/asked to sit by a steward or police officer.” This information highlights the fact that the “hooligan behaviour” is more likely to happen at a seated section as fans could react to being told what to do while supporting their beloved football team. In comparison, safe standing gives the fans options as it provides standing rails with a pull down seat for those who prefer to sit. The stands are designed for this so they will provide enough space for sitting rather than the uncomfortable tight areas we have today. This means there will be no controversy as fans get the best of both …show more content…

The poorly made plastic seats are a huge inconvenience for this and get in the way of these “ultras” who payed good money to support and watch football. For example Borrusia Dortmund’s standing stadium “Westfalenstadion” is famously known for its famously known for its breathtaking atmosphere. The Times Magazine say that “The Westfalenstadion is a place built for enthusiasm and love.” The success of Dortmund just shows how great other stadiums can be by simply listening to the fans and building thesis safe standing stands. How hard can it be? The FSF also completed a survey which focused on over 4000 fans. “92% of fans back the choice to stand or sit. This is not just about those who prefer to stand. By giving supporters the choice, everyone benefits.” It couldn't be clearer that the fans want/need these stands. So we can create these atmospheric moments in our own stadiums. Surely you

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