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A government report on the future of sport has said it “remains unconvinced” by the case for the return of standing to football grounds.

The first annual Sporting Future report discusses all elements of sport within the UK including participation levels, access and governance.

A growing lobby for the case for so-called rail seating has been apparent in recent months and Liverpool supporters union Spirit of Shankly is currently conducting a consultation on the issue with their members.

Sporting Future though rejects the case, for now, despite the successful introduction of a rail seating section at Celtic Park.

The report states: “Since a rail seating section was installed at Celtic Park, there has been growing speculation that such accommodation could be introduced into Premier League and Championship football grounds.

“Government remains unconvinced by the case put forward for re-introducing standing accommodation at football grounds covered by the all-seater requirement, but will continue to monitor how it is working at Celtic.”

The issue of standing is of course incredibly sensitive at Liverpool and the Hillsborough Family Support Group has regularly re-stated their opposition to any return to standing.

Chair Margaret Aspinall has said the move would be an unnecessary backwards step and Liverpool as a club very much take their lead on the issues from the families.

However views contine to differ with some family members speaking of being prepared to listen to the debate about safe standing in the last few months. The issue has continued to gain momentum with most polls of supporters suggesting strong support for the move.

Spirit of Shankly launched a consultation process last year which is continuing to run.

They intend to have an open debate on the issue before the end of March and a written report with a proposed SOS stance on the issue in place by the end of May.