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Lib Dems would change the law to allow safe standing at professional football matches to improve the experience for the fans and reduce ticket prices

Top flight and Championship stadiums have to be all-seater after terraces were outlawed in the aftermath of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster when 96 Liverpool fans died during the FA Cup semi-final with Nottingham Forest at Sheffield Wednesday’s ground.

But there is widespread support among fans who say standing creates a better atmosphere with 90% saying they want the choice to sit or to stand.

The Lib Dems say they would back ‘rail seating’ as used by European clubs which means they can offer standing or sitting as needed.

They argue that this would give fans the freedom to choose how they watch football and give the clubs greater scope to offer varying price tickets.

Scottish champions Celtic opened a standing section at Celtic Park last summer, which a report to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s ‘Sporting Future: A New Strategy for an Active Nation’ says will continue to be monitored.

But the law would need to be changed to allow standing in England.

The Lib Dems, who have the support of the Football Supporters Federation, argue that safe standing is possible - shown by the millions who already stand at clubs outside the top two league.

Tim Farron said: “Safe standing is allowed in many other sports and we do not believe that the top level of football should be an exception.

“When clubs and fans are in favour of safe standing and it can be done safely, then the Government shouldn’t get in the way.

“It is an idea whose time has come and I am proud that it is the Liberal Democrats who are the first political party to commit to delivering this.”

(Image: Getty)

Michael Brunskill from the Football Supporters Federation welcomed the Lib Dem support saying he wished other parties would make the same commitment.

He said:“Nine out of 10 fans back the choice to sit or stand while there’s been lots of support from the football industry in recent years - the majority of professional clubs in the country now back a pilot.

“Celtic have a rail seat area and the authorities in Scotland know it can be done safely - why shouldn’t clubs in England and Wales be allowed identical safe standing facilities?”