Celtic have had a successful safe-standing trial for the past two seasons

The government is to make its first significant policy shift towards allowing “safe standing” areas at football grounds since the law on all-seater stadiums was brought in 25 years ago, it can be revealed.

Ministers are set to commission a fundamental review of the policy of banning all standing areas in the Premier League and Championship. Officials from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport have already begun talks with the Premier League, the EFL and fans’ groups.

It is understood that Tracey Crouch, the sports minister, wants the review to cover all aspects of safety at football stadiums, including the technological advancements that have been made in seating and stadium design.

The decision for the review is hugely significant — less than six