Manchester United among five clubs given safe standing approval

Five teams from the top two tiers of English football have had their applications for a safe standing area approved by the Sports Minister. 

Nigel Huddleston today announced that Manchester City and United, Chelsea, Totthenham and Cardiff City will take part in the trial which begins on 1st January 2022 and concludes at the end of the current football season.

“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. “The time is now right to properly trial safe standing in the Premier League and Championship ahead of a decision on a widespread roll-out.

“Safety is absolutely paramount and the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (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.”

Standing areas in the top two tiers have been banned since the Hillsborough disaster in 1989 which claimed the lives of 97 Liverpool fans.

The trial follows research conducted during the 2019/20 season, with the pandemic and the lack of crowds in stadiums delaying the process.