West Brom give green light to safe-standing trial

The league's governing body is keen on re-opening discussions with regards to safe standing in England's top tier

Aditi Prakash
Saturday 24 June 2017 14:33 BST
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A general view of The Hawthorns
A general view of The Hawthorns (Getty)

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West Bromwich Albion have responded positively to the Premier League's letter asking the 20 teams about their interest in re-introducing standing sections in stadiums on a trial basis, the club's director of operations Mark Miles has said.

English clubs are legally required to have all-seater stadiums since the 1990 Taylor Report into the Hillsborough disaster recommended the change but the league's governing body is keen on re-opening discussions about the matter.

"I have written back to the Premier League and told them our position remains that we would be very keen to be involved in a pilot," Miles said in a statement on the club's website.

"It is the same message I have delivered verbally at previous meetings."

Miles believes legislation regarding seating arrangements can be changed if there is proof that it is a safe option for supporters.

"As I have made clear from the outset, this is something football will not be able to introduce without a change of legislation and that can't happen unless it is proven to provide a safer option for fans to watch games," Miles added.

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