Manchester United, City, Chelsea, Tottenham and Cardiff given green light for safe standing trial

Published 08/11/2021 at 12:03 GMT

Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham and Cardiff City have been given permission by the government to take part in a safe standing trial at their stadiums. The trial starts in January 2022 and represents the first chance of standing at Premier League games since the introduction of all-seater stadiums in 1994.

Kai Havertz of Chelsea celebrates after scoring their team's first goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Burnley at Stamford Bridge

Image credit: Getty Images

Five British clubs including Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham will trial safe standing the season.

The first match to run the test will be at Stamford Bridge, as Cheslea take on Liverpool on January 2.

Welsh club Cardiff, who currently play in the Championship, have also been included in the scheme.

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Standing has not been permitted in the Premier League since 1994, when all-seater stadiums were introduced after the Hillsborough disaster in 1989.

Should the trial be a success then other teams can apply to do the same.

Nadine Dorries, the culture secretary, said: “Football fans have long wanted the introduction of safe standing and I’m pleased we are fulfilling our manifesto commitment by piloting its return.”

Daniel Levy welcomed the decision, saying: “The club has led on lobbying the Government for safe standing at stadia and is delighted that this will now be possible.

“It delivers choice for fans attending the game – whether home or away supporters - and the vast majority of our fans are in favour of this scheme.

“We are extremely proud of our ‘safe seating’ design, which ensures both comfort and safety, whether standing or seated, while maintaining the same aesthetics as in all other areas of the stadium.”

Sports minister Nigel Huddleston explained the move: “The time is now right to properly trial safe standing in the Premier League and EFL Championship ahead of a decision on a widespread roll-out.

“Safety is absolutely paramount and the SGSA is working hand-in-glove with the clubs on this.

“Fans deserve different options on how they can enjoy a live match and I will be watching the progress of these trials with interest."

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