Safe standing trial will go ahead with Premier League clubs

Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham, and Cardiff City have all had applications to operate licensed safe standing areas approved.

The trial, organised by the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA), marks the end of a blanket ban on standing in the top two tiers of English football which has been in place since 1994.

The pilot programme will be monitored by independent firm CFE Research, and the findings will be given to the government to make a decision on a wider roll-out of safe standing for the 2022-23 season.

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And Saints’ number one shot-stopper Alex McCarthy has revealed that, although he never got to experience it himself growing up, he’s all for it if safety and fan enjoyment is paramount.

Liverpool are already running a different trial with rail seating instead (Pic: PA)

“Yeah like you said, I was too young to ever go to a game when it was standing terraces,” McCarthy told the Daily Echo, “but if they want to bring it back, then as long as it’s safe I’m happy with it.

“As long as the fans are enjoying it, I think it’s a good thing.”

Sports minister Huddleston echoed those thoughts as he gave a statement following the announcement of the ground-breaking trial which could change the landscape of stadia for the first time in over 25 years.

"I'm pleased to approve these five clubs as early adopters of licensed safe standing areas for the second half of the season,” Huddleston said.

Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston

"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."

As a goalkeeper, McCarthy will be under no illusion about the importance of fan atmosphere inside the arena – with those donning his shirts often finding themselves on the butt-end of the most ironic jeers and opposition chanting.

Saints keeper Alex McCarthy admits he never experienced standing support growing up (Pic: Stuart Martin)

The hope is that safe standing will help improve atmospheres inside stadia where possible, but will that mean the likes of he and fellow goalkeepers could be subjected to more fan banter?

“Yeah maybe, to be fair,” he laughed, “but in games I sort of switch off from what’s happening around me.

“Once I cross that white line I just focus on what is happening on the pitch and don’t have a lot to do with what is going on outside of the pitch.”