Liverpool FC Confirm Safe Standing Areas for Kop and Anfield Road Stands
Liverpool FC have confirmed that the Kop and Anfield Road Stands will have safe standing areas after the safety certificate was approved for the new season, representing around 13,000 of the capacity.
The move will now see the introduction of safe standing areas across all rail seating sections on the Kop and in the lower Anfield Road Stand from Saturday.
What is Safe Standing?
Safe standing areas are licensed by the SGSA and fans must be able to sit or stand – the seats cannot be locked in the ‘up’ or ‘down’ position. There must also be one seat/space per person and licensed standing areas must not impact the viewing standards of other fans, including disabled supporters.
In these safe standing areas, supporters will be permitted to stand throughout matches and not just for significant moments, such as goal celebrations. Briefing and training will be in place for staff and stewards to ensure only relevant ticket holders are admitted to the licensed standing areas, and CCTV will offer full coverage of the licensed standing areas.
History of Rail Seating at Anfield
Rail seating was first introduced in two areas of Anfield during the 2020-21 close season following a safety review by the SGSA. The initial trial saw 7,800 rail seats installed on the Kop and the lower tier of the Anfield Road Stand.
A second phase saw a further 2,500 rail seats introduced to the Kop during last season’s break for the winter World Cup.
The latest installation phase took place this summer when a further 3,000 rail seats were placed on the Kop, in the remainder of blocks 202-208, up to row 33. This took the total to 7,425 rail seats on the Kop, just over 55 per cent of stand capacity. The club plans to extend rail seating on the Kop next year to blocks 102-108, up to row 13.
LFC reviewed the effectiveness of rail seating in relation to fans’ safety at the end of a trial period last season and, as a result of its findings, applied for a Safe Standing Licence. The latest enforcement recommendations from the SGSA state that stadiums with rail seating for more than two years must apply for a Safe Standing Licence.
The club consulted with its Supporters Board about its application for a Safe Standing Licence.
Benefits of Safe Standing
Safe standing is becoming increasingly popular in football stadiums across Europe, and is seen as an effective way to improve fan safety and create a more vibrant atmosphere. It has been proven to reduce crowd congestion and improve sightlines for spectators.
It also allows fans to stand up and show their support for their team throughout the match, rather than just during goal celebrations. This can create a more passionate atmosphere in the stadium and help to create a better matchday experience for all supporters.
Conclusion
Liverpool FC have confirmed that they will be introducing safe standing areas in the Kop and Anfield Road Stands for the new season. This move will allow fans to stand up and show their support for their team throughout matches, while also improving fan safety and reducing crowd congestion.
The club has consulted with its Supporters Board about its application for a Safe Standing Licence and is committed to ensuring that only relevant ticket holders are admitted to the licensed standing areas. The installation of rail seating has already seen a significant improvement in fan safety at Anfield and this latest move will further enhance this.