It is not just a campaign for standing, but to restore choice for all supporters. This is an issue about which many supporters feel very strongly, and we are proposing a compromise solution, as an alternative to the current conflict and increasing sanctions by the authorities.
To date we have 750 members and over 2000 signatures on our petition, from supporters of more than 110 clubs. The average age of members is around 30. About 10% say they prefer to sit and 90% stand.
We have received encouraging replies from some clubs, and others agree privately, but are unwilling to be quoted. We have met with both the Premier League and the Football League, and are seeking a meeting with the FLA. We have also been invited to address the Safety Committee for West Ham, which will be an opportunity to put our proposals to various bodies, including the police & FLA.
Many of our members came via online forums, but tended to come in groups from each club, while the thread was on the top page. We hope that this new post will generate further interest, and update those who are already aware of the campaign.
For full details, visit www.standupsitdown.co.uk.
Please both sign the petition and join the campaign, as the more members we have, the greater will be our influence.
A summary of our proposed solution and its benefits follows:
PROPOSED SOLUTION
The suitability for standing to be objectively assessed for each area of every ground, with input from clubs and supporters, rather than the current blanket ban applied to the top two divisions.
At least one area of each ground to be selected where supporters would be permitted to stand in front of their allocated seats.
Persistent standing not to be tolerated in other areas, ensuring that those who prefer to sit will not have their view blocked by others standing.
Where possible, away supporters allocations to be divided into standing and sitting areas, by tier (upper seated, lower standing), block, or rows (front seated, back standing).
This is a compromise and achievable solution, based on common sense, and for the benefit of all concerned. The preferred option for many supporters of new safe standing areas, is unlikely to become reality in the foreseeable future, for both financial and political reasons.
BENEFITS OF OUR PROPOSED SOLUTION
Dealing with safety according to the specific risk in each area, is likely to achieve greater supporter compliance, than the use of increasingly severe sanctions to force them to sit in areas where few people see a real safety risk.
Deals with the customer care issue, by separating supporters who wish to stand, from those who prefer or need to sit.
Allows crowd management, by allocating each supporter their own individual space (in front of their numbered seat).
Requires no major financial outlay, or significant ground modifications. Capacities would be as for current seated areas, so present exit, toilet & catering facilities would remain satisfactory.
Causes no loss in income for clubs. Ticket prices would remain similar to current seats, and improved atmosphere may even attract additional supporters.
Allows those who wish to stand and vocally support their team, to congregate in the same area, and to generate improved atmosphere.
STAND UP SIT DOWN
PO Box 51, Purfleet, Essex, RM19 1SY
www.standupsitdown.co.uk