Rail seating debate
SOS acknowledge that Liverpool FC and their support hold a unique position. We as Liverpool fans, more than many, know and understand the emotion and sensitivities surrounding this issue.
Following a survey we organised in July 2017, almost 18,000 supporters – an unprecedented number in football supporter surveys of this type – took part in our dialogue and 88% of respondents were in favour of rail seating areas at football and supporters having the choice to sit or stand.
Spirit of Shankly’s policy and position followed a sensitive, sensible, honest and mature conversation, throughout which key themes emerged: a choice for supporters between sitting and standing; safety for those who currently stand at games; and the safety of any future standing model.
Spirit Of Shankly would like to thank all those who participated so that supporters could make an informed decision. We would like to thank in particular the Hillsborough Family Support Group, Hillsborough Justice Campaign, and all the survivors and families of those at Hillsborough.
As part of our review we visited Celtic to investigate their safe standing area and speak to Celtic FC, police, Celtics Supporters Liaison and fans of the club. Our group included family members and survivors of Hillsborough. Dan Kay, Liverpool Echo documented the day.
Spirit of Shankly believe every club and their fans should be able to choose the model for their home stadium and work with the relevant authorities to meet prerequisite safety requirements.
Liverpool supporters, more than most, understand the arguments for safety and the emotion of such a debate. We also know fans are already standing at Anfield and across the county every week. They should be allowed to do so safely and in comfort.
SOS are supportive of the Labour Party’s position on the subject that supporters should have that choice and it be decided locally.
We will continue discussions with our members regarding our stance. We trust the ongoing government review will reflect the views and wishes of match going supporters around the country.
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SOS reaffirm stance on rail seating debate
SOS reaffirm stance on rail seating debate Following a survey we organised in July 2017, our members and supporters voted overwhelmingly in favour of rail seating being introduced at stadiums across the country. They also backed supporters having the choice to sit or stand. Spirit of [...]
DCMS Report on Standing
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Jay McKenna on rail seating
Jay McKenna on rail seating Jay McKenna on Red Men TV talking about the rail seating debate Back to Latest News >>
SOS meeting Tracey Crouch MP
As the government’s review of safe standing at football matches continues, Spirit Of Shankly accepted an invitation to meet Minister for Sport, Tracey Crouch MP. This was an informal meeting, so that the Minister could hear our views and give us an update on government activity on the subject.
Talks begin to review safe standing
Spirit of Shankly welcome the government announcement today, 5 June, that they plan to review the law concerning safe standing at top-flight football matches.
Rail seating vote – result
Following Spirit of Shankly’s consultations and discussions on rail seating, members and supporters have been voting for the past week. They were asked whether they are in favour, against or undecided on the introduction of rail-seating areas in football grounds.
Rail seating vote
The vote following our rail seating consultation and public meeting has now concluded.
Rail seating – Public meeting details
We will host a final public meeting ahead of a vote to decide our position on rail seating, taking place on Saturday 22nd July in The Liner Hotel, Lord Nelson Street, Liverpool, L3 5QB.
Rail seating debate – Meeting dates
Earlier this year we published an updated timetable for making a decision on our position on rail seating. Unfortunately this was delayed, due to securing a venue and speakers for the meeting. However we are pleased to announce confirmed dates for upcoming meetings, so that we can move the debate forward and arrive at a decision.
Rail seating – The final steps to making a decision
In November of last year we published a timeline of our expected consultation to take place before we asked members to vote on our position on rail seating. Today we wanted to provide an update and a timeline for the coming weeks ahead of that vote and decision.
Rail seating debate – Timeline for consultation
At our AGM on the 24th September there was a debate about whether the Union should consider taking a position on the issue of rail seating at football grounds. This had arisen from members asking over a period of time what the Union’s position was in relation to this subject.
