Source · Select Committees · Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Recommendation 20
20
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 96
Expand safe standing pilots to larger audiences with comprehensive stewarding and SGSA consultation.
Conclusion
Safe standing pilots have, to date, been successful with no significant evidence of the kind of dangerous behaviour that some safe standing sceptics have warned of. However, the pilots have been limited and it is prudent to expand them and gather information on the policy’s effect on larger audiences before any significant expansion. Further pilots and expansion should only go ahead with the continued consultation and cooperation with the SGSA, who may wish to amend the implementation criteria for safe-standing at larger-scale events. Mindful of the potential risks of safe standing, any expansion requires comprehensive stewarding plan for stadia staff to understand their role in managing the behaviour of crowds who may be more ‘raucous’ in a standing area.
Government Response Summary
The government states it will continue to engage stakeholders on the issue of safe standing, especially considering representations from policing authorities regarding increased football-related arrests and disorder post-COVID.
Paragraph Reference:
96
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
20. We will continue to engage stakeholders on this issue, particularly in light of strong representations made to the government by policing authorities about the increase in football-related arrests and disorder post-COVID.