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The Liverpool FC supporters’ union has revealed when it will decide whether to back rail standing in football stadiums.

Spirit of Shankly launched a debate at its annual general meeting last month about so-called safe standing.

The group believes the time is right for a discussion among SOS members, emergency services, LFC and Hillsborough families about rail standing.

All-seater stadiums were rolled out across England after Lord Justice Taylor’s report into the 1989 disaster that left 96 Reds fans dead.

But Celtic recently opened a 2,900-capacity safe standing section because Scottish grounds are not placed under the same regulations.

This triggered a fresh debate about rail standing, which allows supporters to stand in between metal poles at waist height with fold-down seats.

SOS announced on its website: “The union is publishing a timetable for fact-finding, debate and a decision to be made.

“The union is committed to this debate being conducted with the utmost respect and in an atmosphere allowing all opinions to be heard and, where necessary, challenged.

“We hope those contributing will do so positively and constructively.”

(Image: Jeff Holmes/PA Wire)

SOS members, the Hillsborough Justice Campaign (HJC), Hillsborough Family Support Group (HFSG), Liverpool FC, the Football Supporters’ Federation, ground safety experts, Liverpool council, the police and fire services and other LFC fan groups will all be asked for their views by the end of this year.

There will then be a series of meetings to take place no later than the end of March.

These include a Question Time-style debate featuring people with different points of view, and a floor debate where fans can give their opinions.

SOS will then write a preliminary report by the end of April before organising an extraordinary general meeting to discuss the issue.

This meeting will take place no later than June 30 next year, according to a timetable published on the SOS website.

A final decision of members will be made no later than July 20.

After standing was introduced at Celtic’s ground over the summer, the HJC said it would support a debate.

But the HFSG has previously voiced opposition to standing areas.

A return of rail standing may require a change in the law – at the moment all Premier League clubs are required to operate all-seater grounds, as directed by a Government minister under the Football Spectators Act.