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QPR are the latest London club to test the waters on the introduction of safe standing, beginning a consultation process to see if fans want rail seating installed at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.

The Rs are hoping that if successful, the introduction of safe standing would help to improve the atmosphere at the ground. The consultation process with fans will run until March 20, with fans being invited to fill out a questionnaire on whether they would be in favour of the installation.

"The club is constantly looking at ways to improve and engage with as many supporters as possible," QPR CEO Lee Hoos said in a statement on the club's official website.

"We feel rail seating is an option worth looking at in consultation with our supporters. It raises several questions and challenges such as: Where do we put it? What about people already sat in those areas? How many people would be interested in relocating to an area which offered rail seating? If the area is over-subscribed, how do you determine who will be allocated a space?

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"I must stress at this point that this is the start of a consultation only and that any implementation of rail seating would only start if it is approved by the appropriate lincensing authorities."

Two weeks ago, Manchester United confirmed plans to move ahead with the addition of rail seating at Old Trafford.

United are among a number of clubs said to be keen on trialling the seats in the stadium, which have been successful elsewhere.

Rail seating is common in Europe, with the most famous example being Borussia Dortmund's 'Yellow Wall' - a single stand that hold up to 26,000 fans on Bundesliga matchdays.

Celtic were the first British club to introduce a 'safe standing' area, with a 2,600 capacity rail seating section formally unveiled in July 2016.

Wolves were the first club in England to install rail seats in 2019 to demonstrate to fans and the local Safety Advisory Group how they would be used when the law banning persistent standing is dropped.

And Manchester United are hoping to be able to follow suit, with the club confirming in a fans' forum meeting that they have begun the process to bring safe standing to Old Trafford.

The club stated that they are "in favour of rail seating in parts of Old Trafford in principle", and that "following changes to the Sports Ground Stadium Authority Green Guide, we have recently conducted a study into the feasibility of a rail seating trial within the stadium".

They went on to say: "A formal proposal was made to the local Safety Advisory Group (SAG) in December 2019 to request a trial in a small section of the stadium (up to 1,500 seats in the North East Quadrant).

"Our belief is that the introduction of rail seating will enhance spectator safety in areas of the stadium where - as with other clubs - we have seen examples of persistent standing.

"The SAG committee is reviewing the request. This is not an automatic approval process. We will discuss the proposal in detail with the relevant authorities and will work through their compliance and review process."

With United pressing forward with the introduction, we take a look below at where clubs in London stand on the matter.

Arsenal

Arsenal managing director Vinai Venkatesham has stated in the past that the club are supportive of the introduction of safe standing, but admitted that the Gunners would face difficulties in introducing it at the Emirates Stadium.

(Image: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

The ground was opened with 2006, but not built with the prospect of safe standing involved.

Venkatesham told a fans' forum in March 2019 that at the Emirates Stadium, safe standing would only maintain the current capacity, with one seat equal to one standing space, but due to the shallow stands at the stadium there could be sight line issues for fans who are behind or adjacent to the standing area.

There would also be seat loss due to segregation of supporters, and Arsenal would need to consider the impact of fewer fans being able to watch the game versus the benefits of safe standing.

It would also mean that sitting would need to be enforced more rigorously in other areas of the ground, and the costs of implementing safe standing could be significant.

However, Venkatesham said that the club remain supportive of the idea, and those examples were to illustrate why such a move would need proper evaluation and consultation - which could potentially solve those issues.

Chelsea

Chelsea fans have broadly backed the introduction of safe standing at Stamford Bridge for some time, but the issue of stadium redevelopment is currently looming large over any decisions.

In a survey conducted by the Chelsea Supporters' Trust in 2017, fans gave their overwhelming approval to introduce a safe standing section, and the club have said in the past they are prepared to consider the decision should the current rules be changed.

However, Chelsea's proposed redevelopment of Stamford Bridge has been paused, with planning permission set to expire at the end of March.

Tottenham

Spurs are possibly the best-positioned club in the country to deal with an introduction of safe standing.

The club announced back in 2018 that they are "future-proofed", with the stadium containing designated rail seating areas open its opening.

(Image: Ben Early/Getty Images)

The 17,500 capacity single-tier South Stand contains an area close to the pitch for safe standing, as well as in the away section - areas that were known for persistent standing anyway at the old White Hart Lane.

The club even boast that they have created a different and improved design to those in Germany and Celtic, with the same seats present in the standing area as the rest of the ground and a generous area for leg room.

The new stadium has already massively benefited Spurs, with an increased matchday revenue and the ability to host other sports and events, with two NFL matches already taking place in 2019, and more to follow this year.

Spurs have already confirmed one major event at their stadium this summer, with Capital Radio's Summertime Ball on the calendar.

And they are looking to host Anthony Joshua's next heavyweight title fight, with promoter Eddie Hearn confirming that they are the frontrunners.

However, Arsenal are launching a late bid to bring the boxer to the Emirates Stadium.

West Ham

West Ham co-owner David Gold has previously stated that the Hammers are keen on introducing safe standing at the London Stadium.

(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)

Gold was involved in trying to add a non-seating section to the London Stadium to help improve atmosphere and ensure fans have an opportunity to stand together.

The Hammers were said to have discussed the possibility of installing a Ferco System - the same used at Celtic Park - back in 2017.

At the time, Gold stated: "I have been speaking with the people who put in the rail seating at Celtic Park.

"I have been an advocate of this for many years and it is something I am working on.

"We are working on it. I believe in it, we are in touch and we will do everything we can to resolve the issue."

The London Stadium is already set for an £11.5million summer makeover with two new lower tiers in the stadium bowl to bring fans closer to the pitch.

Sight lines and distance from the pitch have been a source of frustration since the Hammers' move to Stratford, with fans feeling that the current experience is not what was promised by the club.

However, around 300 of the 3,600 new seats to be added will not be covered or protected from the rain.

football.london understands that the new seating structure will take place regardless of whether the Hammers are relegated from the Premier League this season.

QPR

QPR are the latest London club to test the waters, beginning a consultation process to see if fans want rail seating installed at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.

(Image: Andrew Kearns - CameraSport via Getty Images)

The Rs are hoping that if successful, the introduction of safe standing would help to improve the atmosphere at the ground. The consultation process with fans will run until March 20, with fans being invited to fill out a questionnaire on whether they would be in favour of the installation.

"The club is constantly looking at ways to improve and engage with as many supporters as possible," QPR CEO Lee Hoos said in a statement on the club's official website.

"We feel rail seating is an option worth looking at in consultation with our supporters. It raises several questions and challenges such as: Where do we put it? What about people already sat in those areas? How many people would be interested in relocating to an area which offered rail seating? If the area is over-subscribed, how do you determine who will be allocated a space?

"I must stress at this point that this is the start of a consultation only and that any implementation of rail seating would only start if it is approved by the appropriate lincensing authorities."