Premier League survey shows most fans would not want to stand for whole game
Wednesday 18 April 2018 18:06, UK
Only five per cent of football fans want to stand up at a match for the whole 90 minutes, according to a survey carried out by the Premier League.
Those are the initial findings of wide-ranging research into safe standing at top-flight football matches.
The Premier League survey also discovered the majority of fans surveyed like the idea of safe-standing areas, but say they would like the option to stand or sit during a match.
Earlier this month, Sports Minister Tracey Crouch turned down a proposal from West Brom to introduce safe standing in the Smethwick End at The Hawthorns for both home and away fans next season.
Celtic currently have a safe-standing area in their stadium for domestic matches, as do Sky Bet League One side Shrewsbury.
The Premier League say they 'understand and appreciate' why Crouch would require more evidence before considering a change of policy.
"This subject is complex and nuanced and clearly requires more research looking at how standing areas might impact Premier League stadiums, overall fan experience at matches and safety standards," the Premier League said in a statement.
"Taking this into account we understand and appreciate why the Minister for Sport would require far more evidence before considering a change to the current all-seater policy."
