Safe standing could return at Newcastle United after encouraging signs in pilot scheme

Early indications have shown that safe standing measures introduced in Premier League stadiums are having a positive impact on crowd safety. That is according to the interim findings from the pilot scheme which began at the start of the year.

Four top-flight clubs have taken part in the scheme since January as Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham have all had rail seating installed in areas of their stadiums. Newcastle United turned down the opportunity to be involved in the pilot as they were keen to monitor the trials elsewhere around the country.

Although, that decision was made back in September so, if the opportunity was offered now, the new ownership group might have a different stance on being part of such a scheme. United fans last stood on terraces during the 1994/95 season before St James’ Park became an all-seater stadium for the following campaign.

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An independent evaluation conducted on the safe standing trials by CFE Research found that: “The installation of barriers or rails in seated areas where persistent standing had been occurring have led to more orderly goal celebrations, made fans' exit from the area easier to manage, and made areas of overcrowding easier to spot,” as published by the Sports Grounds Safety Authority.

Meanwhile, Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston addressed the potential roll-out of safe standing on a larger scale. He said: "These are very encouraging findings for fans, clubs and safety groups.

"Whilst we're only at the halfway point of our early adopters programme and will reserve final judgement on a wider rollout until the process is completed, the signs are positive that fan